§ 11. Mr. Hector Hughesasked 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. EnnalsNone, Sir. My Department can only pay marriage allowance in respect of the legal wife.
§ Mr. HughesWhy 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. EnnalsHe 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. HughesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.