§ 43. Mr. Lowasked the Secretary of State for War why home passages are not provided for the wives of soldiers who marry overseas unless nine months have elapsed since the date of the marriage.
§ Mr. ShinwellNormally passages for wives between the United Kingdom and overseas stations are not provided unless it is anticipated that the family will be united for at least nine months in the overseas area. A similar qualifying period is laid down in the case of local marriages in order to prevent inequality of treatment.
§ Mr. LowIs not one of the results of this rule that men who intend to marry overseas, rush into marrying instead of waiting, as perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would like them to do?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf in the opinion of the hon. Member there are cases of hardship, perhaps he will send me particulars of them. I will certainly consider them with sympathy.