§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that no provision exists for the increase of maintenance payments to deserted wives to compensate for inflation, he will introduce legislation to redress the hardship so caused.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonThe Government do not consider that legislation is necessary for this purpose. The existing law permits either party to a maintenance order to apply at any time for variation of the rate of payments specified by the order. A general increase in the cost of living would constitute grounds for such an application.