§ 30. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements exist by which military authorities can deduct from any accumulated gratuities or other moneys, payments owing to the wife and 1945 children or the illegitimate children of soldiers.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf "other moneys" excludes pay to which the soldier is currently entitled, the answer is none. The extent to which deductions may be made from a soldier's current pay towards the maintenance of his wife, children or illegitimate children is laid down in the Army Act, Section 145. This gives no authority to make any deduction from accumulated gratuities or other monies, excluding current pay, due to the credit of the soldier.
§ Mr. SorensenI would ask the Minister whether he does not agree that this imposes a very unnecessary burden upon the wife or children involved and, seeing that the soldier has a moral and financial obligation to them, would it not be as well to consider them, so they may have first claim on any monies due to him?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe have no power to intervene where a soldier ceases to make a contribution towards the maintenance of an illegitimate child. On the other hand, if a soldier refuses to make a contriblition towards the maintenance of his wife, we use our persuasion in order to induce him to make a voluntary contribution.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the Minister also apply the same inducement in regard to the man's illegitimate children?
§ Mr. ShinwellSo far as I know, that is being done. It is within the discretion of the Commanding Officer, and, where the Commanding Officer cares to exercise his powers of intervention, he usually succeeds.