§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the marriage allowance paid to naval ratings who have children attending school ceases on the child attaining the age of 14 years; and if he will consider the possibility of extending this age to 16 years where it can be proved that the child is retained whole time at school, in view of the fact that this is the most expensive period, and hardship is inflicted on these naval parents with limited means?
§ Mr. HODGESMarriage allowance is continued beyond the age of 14 only in the case of those children who are required to attend school under Section 61 of the Education Act, 1921, on a certificate given under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. The conditions governing the grant of this allowance apply equally to the children of soldiers and airmen, and it is not proposed to make special provision in the form of marriage allowance for sailors' children who remain at school beyond the normal age for compulsory full-time attendance, which is at present 14 years.