HC Deb 01 April 1913 vol 51 cc221-2W
Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Section 145 (2) (b) of the Army Act extends to the case of the wife of a soldier who married without leave; whether, if it does not so extend, he will include in the next Army (Annual) Bill a provision so extending it; and whether he will propose to amend that paragraph by substituting sixteen years of age for fourteen years of age?

Colonel SEELY

This Section of the Army Act applies to those married with or without leave alike. As regards the last part of the question, Sub-section 2 (a) covers all cases in which liability can be brought home to a civilian and the limitation of age is the same in respect of the children, whether legitimate or illegitimate, of a soldier as in respect of those of a civilian. Sub-section 2 (b) imposes on a soldier an additional liability with respect to his legitimate children to which a civilian is not subject. The proposal in the last part of the question shall be carefully considered.