HC Deb 06 May 1959 vol 605 cc375-6
9. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for War why married soldiers under the age of 21 years are not eligible for married quarters.

Mr. H. Fraser

In general, we do not encourage very young soldiers to take up family responsibilities. We like them to settle down first in a career and way of life which is very different from that of a civilian. Young soldiers are free to marry if they wish, in the knowledge of that policy. They then receive marriage allowance, but not accommodation.

Mr. Chetwynd

Why is there this discrimination with regard to married quarters between married soldiers of over 21 and those under 21? Is it not a fact that a soldier may be married before he joins the Army and is this not a disincentive to certain people joining up?

Mr. Fraser

We do not carry this to a point where, except in exceptional circumstances, it would create hardship. The condition is known to all joining any of the Services. Prior to the war, the age at which married quarters were available was 26. Now that has been reduced to 21 and young married Service men get marriage allowance and ration allowance.

Mr. Strachey

Is not this a remnant of the old War Office policy of discouraging early marriage? It has now given in over the question of marriage allowance. Is it not rather illogical to keep this discrimination about quarters?

Mr. Fraser

I do not think so; I really do not.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the completely unsatisfactory nature of the Answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.