§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that the use of the expression "unmarried wife" shall not be used in future in official documents and correspondence relating to grants and allowances to dependants of serving soldiers; and whether he will substitute words more appropriate to a woman who lives, or who has lived, with a soldier as his companion or housekeeper?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe expression referred to has been in common use for many years; its meaning is well understood, and, although I am aware of the objections which have been raised to the term and appreciate the reason for them, so far no alternative term which is not open to other objections has been found. I shall be happy to consider any suggestion which my hon. Friend may care to make.