HL Deb 25 April 1978 vol 390 cc1610-1

2.43 p.m.

Lord SEGAL: My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will encourage the granting of home leave to wives and families of British troops in Germany to enable them to stay with relatives in Britain during such periods as their husbands are serving in Northern Ireland, provided that no charge is made upon public funds.

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, there is nothing to prevent the wives and families of British Servicemen in Germany from returning to the United Kingdom at their own expense while their husbands are serving in Northern Ireland, if they so wish. Indeed, they are allowed one return journey a year at public expense and many families already take advantage of this concession. However, I should add that the decision as to whether to return to the United Kingdom must rest with the family concerned. They will, for example, have to take into account possible disruption of children's schooling and the availability of accommodation with relatives in the United Kingdom.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend for that very helpful reply. Would my noble friend agree that, in view of the fact that many of these wives are young and have families of very young children, this concession goes a long way towards relieving the present anxieties of many of these serving families? But could not still wider facilities be afforded for certain very deserving cases, certainly where welfare officers in Germany recommend them, and where families are not fully able themselves to meet the costs of travelling?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, I shall bring the recommendation of my noble friend to the attention of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State.

The Earl of SELKIRK

My Lords, do these people lose their overseas allowance? What allowances, if any, do they get if they stay in this country?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, separation allowance is paid when a soldier is on an emergency tour in Northern Ireland, whether his family is in Germany or the United Kingdom. For families entitled to local overseas allowance, it ceases if the wife's absence is extended beyond 30 days.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, in view of the fact that many of our serving men are in Northern Ireland for a continuous period of at least four months, could not a longer period than 30 days be allowed in certain deserving cases?

Lord WINTERBOTTOM

My Lords, I cannot answer that question, but I shall bring it to the attention of the Secretary of State.