§ 19. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has taken through the Army Welfare Department or through the Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association to provide garrison nurseries for the infant children of Service men in the British Army of the Rhine whose wives are ill.
§ Mr. John HareWe do not provide garrison nurseries for children. But in case of illness, home help schemes are organised by local S.S.A.F.A. committees for whose help I am most grateful. Our experience is that in small Army communities there is a fund of help from neighbouring families when it is needed.
§ 20. Mrs. McLaughlinasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the increasing wastage of soldiers' working hours caused by married men in the British Army of the Rhine having to be excused duty whilst attending to domestic family needs, especially when sick wives are in hospital, and that this causes anxiety to the relatives at home; and what action he is taking to meet this situation.
§ Mr. John HareI understand that it is rare for soldiers to have to be excused duty for domestic reasons, but if my hon. Friend has any particular cases in mind, I shall be glad to look into them.