§ 96. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers serving in the British Army on the Rhine have married German women since the penalty of posting elsewhere was stopped last January; how many of these marriages were authorised and how many unauthorised; how these figures compare with the figures for comparable periods before and after the posting penalty was introduced in April, 1951; what percentage of soldiers who have married German women since January have been under 21 years of age at the time of marriage; and what conditions, such as the health and security clearances of prospective wives, are still attached to permission to marry.
89W
Mr. HutchisonDuring the first six months of this year, 163 marriages were authorised and 50 unauthorised marriages are known to have taken place. Figures for similar periods are, before the posting procedure was introduced, 272 authorised marriages and 136 unauthorised marriages coming to light; and, while the procedure was in operation, 175 and 147 respectively. 1½ per cent. of those married since January, 1952, have been under 21 years of age at the time of marriage. Medical examination and security clearance of prospective wives are at present still required, but these will be waived under the new regulations.