§ Mr. Shinwellasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that many wives of men serving with the Navy, Army, and Air Force are compelled to apply to the public assistance committees for relief, owing to the inability of their husbands to provide sufficient for their maintenance; whether he is aware that some of these bodies are refusing relief; and whether it is the intention of the Government to increase the pay of the men at an early date?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleThe hon. Member is presumably referring to the wives of men in His Majesty's Forces who have married before reaching the qualifying age for marriage allowance. I am aware that there are such cases as those referred to in the first part of the question, but I would draw attention to the fact that all men are made fully aware that if they choose to marry before the qualifying ages they will not be eligible for marriage allowance.