§ Mr. HARRY HOPEasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been, drawn to the case of the wife of Private Henry Macdonald, No. 64136, Highland Light Infantry, who was demobilised on 3rd March, 1919; whether he is aware that Mrs. Macdonald has two children and, though they were living separately before he enlisted on 25th July, 1918, they are now living together again and require the money now in order to keep the home together; and whether he proposes to take any action in this case?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Mrs. Macdonald was not entitled to a wife's separation allowance because she was separated from and not supported by her husband prior to his enlistment, but, in accordance with Regulations, allowance was issued for the children at the higher rates applicable to motherless children. The fact that a reconciliation has taken place since the man was demobilised does not entitle the wife to separation allowance for the period of her husband's service in the Army.