HC Deb 19 October 1943 vol 392 cc1205-6
44. Mr. Burke

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is a regulation or instruction which provides that where a soldier and a member of the A.T.S. stationed at the same camp marry, one of them must be removed to another camp?

Sir J. Grigg

Husband and wife may not serve in the same unit.

Mr. Burke

Is it not a fact that there is no such Regulation in the R.A.F.; does it not mean that young persons will simply remain in the same unit and possibly postpone the date of their marriage; and will the right hon. Gentleman really consider whether this is absolutely necessary in every case, say, in the case of men who have been seven years abroad?

Sir J. Grigg

The rule in the Air Force is certainly rather different. I personally, and the Army Council, take the view that the abandonment of the present rule would create a great deal of resentment in the minds of soldiers who have been absent from their families for four years or more.

Mr. Burke

How is it that the same resentment is not caused among the personnel of the R.A.F.; are they different?

Mr. Rhys Davies

When these people marry and belong to the same unit, who is the one that is removed?

Mr. Stokes

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the same Regulation applies to Ministers of the Crown and their Departments?