§ Mr. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the high divorce rate among Regular soldiers in the Middle East who have been separated from their wives and families, due to lack of married quarters and other factors; and what steps he is taking to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonAlthough comprehensive statistics of divorce rates are not readily available, the figures that we have indicate that the proportion of divorces among those serving in the Middle East is no higher than elsewhere. My right hon. Friend is indeed aware of the serious domestic problems which arise from prolonged separation. He has just provided for married unaccompanied rates of Local Overseas Allowance and he is examining other possible ways of improving the position.