§ Major GLYNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office whether certain units now serving in Mesopotamia 1436W were instructed on leaving Great Britain that, although the unit was proceeding upon a normal tour of foreign service, yet the wives and families of men married on the strength were not to proceed overseas; whether he is aware that distress is being suffered by these women and children since the present allowance is but 9s. 6d. for the wife, 9s. 6d., 7s. 6d., 5s. 6d. and 3s. for the children in order of age; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am aware of the circumstances referred to in the first part of the question. Separation of the soldier from the family was contemplated when the new rates of marriage allowance were fixed. I might point out that every soldier now draws at least 2s. 9d. a day, and has to allot at least 2s. a day to his family when separated from them, which is issued to them in addition to the rates of marriage allowance referred to in the question. I do not propose to take any action.