§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of National Insurance why his regulations prevent a married woman with two or more children from receiving family allowances if she is separated from her husband by a court order or mutual agreement; and whether he will take steps to remove this injustice.
§ Mr. LindgrenI think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Family allowances due in respect of children living with a woman separated from her husband my be payable either to the wife or to the husband according to the circumstances. If the husband is not contributing to their maintenance, the allowances will be paid to the wife. If he is contributing, it is primarily a matter for the parties to agree upon, but in default the Act requires my right hon. Friend to decide to which of them the allowances should be paid.