§ Mr. Hoggasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of the sapper, of whose identity he has been informed, to whom facilities for marriage in Italy have been finally refused; and if he will take steps to have this decision reconsidered.
§ Sir J. GriggI am not aware of the reasons which have led the local military authorities, in the exercise of their discretion, to withhold up till now the grant of facilities to this soldier to get married. I understand that inquiries are being made, but I cannot help saying that I should be reluctant to interfere with a Commander-in-Chief's discretion in such a matter.
§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for War under what circumstances commanding officers are authorised to refuse permission to a British soldier serving overseas to marry a British woman also serving with the British Forces.
§ Sir J. GriggUnder Section 22 of the Foreign Marriage Act, 1892, marriages within the British lines in foreign countries are legal if solemnised by a chaplain or other person officiating under the orders of the commanding officer of the force. Such officers have discretion as to the orders they may see fit to give. I know of no case in which permission for such a marriage between two British subjects has been refused, and if my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will let me have particulars.