§ Mr. Grovesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the wife of Private M. Newman, 6917448, has been 1330W requested by the regimental paymaster at Marylebone Road, London, N.W., to return her Army allowance pay-book on the grounds that her husband has deserted his unit; whether this action is part of Regulations or is administrative only; and, in view of the hardship imposed upon this woman, will he take steps for mitigation of effects of circumstances over which she has no control?
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." Although in time of war family allowance is paid direct to a soldier's wife it is a part of his own emoluments and the issue of the allowance ceases under the Regulations when he has been in a state of absence without leave for more than seven days. The issue is resumed as soon as he rejoins his unit or is apprehended. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there is no reason why the wife of a man who has deserted his unit should be supported from Army funds for more than a limited period.