§ Mr. W. J. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the suffering imposed on relatives of men reported absent without leave when serving overseas, through the stoppage of all allowances; and will he reconsider the regulations in connection therewith.
§ Mr. A. HendersonAlthough in time of war family and dependants' allowances are paid direct to a soldier's wife or dependant they are a part of his own emoluments and the issue of the allowances cease under the Regulations when he has been in a state of absence without leave for more than seven days. The issue is resumed as soon as he rejoins his unit or is apprehended. My hon. Friend will appreciate that there is no reason why such payments should be made for more than a limited period in respect of a man who has absented himself from his unit, thereby depriving the Army of his services.