§ 22. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to make a statement concerning the British Army of the Rhine marriage regulations; and what is now the position with regard to "Operation Union Benefits" and sleeping-out passes.
§ Mr. HeadYes. Under the old marriage regulations men in B.A.O.R. who broke the rules could be posted elsewhere. Neither the House nor myself were happy about this procedure, and it was stopped last January. The old orders contained a number of restrictions in addition to the requirement of a six months' waiting period: and they authorised the withholding of certain benefits known locally as "Operation Union Benefits" and of sleeping-out passes, if orders were not complied with.
Under the new orders these restrictions will all be removed and the waiting period is to be reduced to four months. I think that this waiting period is a reasonable minimum, since we have a responsibility to see that the young men in Germany do not rashly enter into unwise marriages.
We have also provided that in future men shall, within their ordinary entitlement to leave and free travel, take leave to this country during the waiting period. I think that this is also a wise precaution.