§ 18. Mr. Hobsonasked the Secretary of State for War why British troops who have made application to marry German nationals, under the six months qualifying regulation, are debarred from doing so after that period has expired by the new rules which were published on 14th April, 1947; and if he will remove this injustice.
§ Mr. J. FreemanMy hon. Friend appears to have been misinformed. I presume he is referring to an amendment to the regulations governing marriage in the Rhine Army to German nationals, which was issued by H.Q., Rhine Army on 3rd April, 1947. This amendment does not debar any man previously eligible from marrying, but removes a restriction that was previously in force under the regulations as they stood prior to 3rd April, 1947. There is, therefore, no question of any injustice having been done.
§ Mr. HobsonWill the Under-Secretary made it perfectly clear in the amendment to the regulations which has been posted in stations?
§ Mr. FreemanIt must he understood by now, although I imagine there was a temporary misunderstanding when the amendment was first published.