§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in the last war, for the benefit of serving officers and men, where there was sufficient time for the publication of banns, the cost of a special marriage licence was reduced from £2 to 10s.; and is there any reason why the same concession should not be made in similar cases now?
§ Sir J. AndersonI understand that during the last war Diocesan Registrars issued licences (not special licences) for the sum of 10s. to any sailors and soldiers below commissioned rank who were desirous of marrying at short notice and whose circumstances did not permit them to pay the usual fees. I am informed that this matter has again been under the consideration of the ecclesiastical authorities in connection with the present emergency; and that while they are not satisfied that it is necessary owing to changed circumstances to follow the same practice as in the last war, cases of real hardship will be considered sympathetically, on their merits, by the Diocesan Registrars.