§ Mr. GIBBINSasked the Secretary of Sate for War whether he is aware that many soldiers' wives have to supplement their allowance by appealing to the public assistance committees; and will he take steps to alter this state of affairs?
§ Sir V. WARRENDERI am satisfied that the increase in marriage allowance recently granted in respect of the wives of soldiers, not on the married quarters roll, in receipt of pay at rates not exceeding 4s. a day, has removed any grievance which may have existed in this connection. If, however, the hon. Member has in mind married soldiers under the age of 26, whose wives are not entitled to marriage allowance, I can only point out that the age limit for marriage allowance was decided upon after the most careful consideration of the requirements of the three Service Departments, and that unmarried soldiers are fully1046W aware that if they marry below the requisite age they will not receive marriage allowance.