§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Defence what provision there is for dependants of men serving with (i) the British Army of the Rhine and (ii) the British Army stationed at home to voice opinions on the availability of welfare services to which they have access; and whether he is satisfied that such provision is comparable to that available to civilian citizens of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WigginA variety of ways exist, both in this country and overseas, for the dependants of Service men to represent their views to the military authorities on relevant matters of concern to them. Generally it has been found that the best channels are to the commanding officer of the unit concerned, or through other local organisations, such as wives' clubs. Dependants are represented also on garrison welfare committees and on certain Ministry of Defence committees dealing with matters of particular relevance, such as furnishings. I am satisfied that the views of dependants are available to the military authorities at least as well, and probably better, than those of civilian citizens to their local authorities.