HC Deb 22 August 1945 vol 413 c642W
Major York

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the assistance of the Legal Aid Scheme to be available to the wives of serving men who have been informed by their husbands serving overseas of the husband's misconduct, so that the wife may obtain evidence which is not procurable through any channel but the military on which to procure a divorce.

Mr. Bellenger

This scheme was brought into existence to help members of the Forces. Its effective operation depends largely on the good will and co-operation of the legal profession, and to depart from the principles and limits agreed with the profession might endanger the service which is now so generously given to the men themselves. I do not, therefore, feel justified in pressing for its extension to the wives of Service men who, as members of the general public, already possess certain facilities of the kind.