§ 6. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War what general rules or regulations apply to soldiers serving overseas who desire to marry or do marry indigenous women; and how far on marriage those wives become entitled to the same privileges as British wives living with soldiers serving overseas.
§ Mr. SoamesThere is no bar to such marriages, provided that they conform with the laws of the country in which they take place. To discourage ill-considered marriages, however, it is stipulated in these cases that a soldier must wait for a period of up to four months after informing his commanding officer of his intention to marry; and, of course, he must have his parents' consent if he is under 21. Once married, the soldier becomes entitled to marriage allowance and similar benefits on exactly the same terms as soldiers who have British wives. The rules about entitlement to a return passage to the United Kingdom were published in answer to the hon. Member on 11th December last year.
§ Mr. SorensenWhilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask him whether the same delaying period is applied to British girls as to indigenous girls?
§ Mr. SoamesThis is designed in the best interests of everyone and to make sure that the British soldier gives adequate contemplation to the matter.
§ 7. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War what consideration has been given to the need for providing marriage guidance councils in areas, particularly in overseas stations, where there are large numbers of families of Service men, or of drawing attention to the availability of those councils where they exist in or near those areas.
§ Mr. SoamesHelp and advice in matrimonial difficulties are available to forces overseas from local committees of the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association. In this country, S.S.A.F.A. work closely with the marriage guidance council. The present arrangements work very well, and I do not think 400 that the provision of specially selected and trained staff in all our garrisons abroad would be justified.
§ Mr. SorensenSince marriage guidance councils have proved their value in this country, does it not follow that some of those who are engaged in marriage guidance councils possess a certain knowledge and equipment which might be useful overseas as well?
§ Mr. SoamesUndoubtedly they would be useful, but, for the reasons I have stated in my original Answer, we do not feel it would be right to have these specially selected people in all garrisons.