HC Deb 27 April 1966 vol 727 c678
11. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what provision he makes for the maintenance of a woman and her child who finds that the soldier who bigamously married her has been sent away on foreign service.

Mr. Ennals

None, Sir. My Department can only pay marriage allowance in respect of the legal wife.

Mr. Hughes

Why was this man sent out of British jurisdiction, thereby depriving the woman of her rights, or delaying any rights, which she may have had in a civil or criminal action against him? Will my hon. Friend look into the injustice being done to this woman and child?

Mr. Ennals

He was not sent out of jurisdiction. Civilians, of course, cannot be brought back for proceedings of this kind. It is very unfortunate for a bigamous wife. However, a soldier is a citizen and, although we do not give him special privileges, we must not abuse our powers by subjecting him to a liability in civil law which civilians can escape. However, my hon. and learned Friend has written to me about this subject and I shall certainly be writing to him.

Mr. Hughes

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

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