asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will withdraw the instructions to commanding officers that soldiers should apply to them before marrying and present certificates from two responsible persons as to their bride's character?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the commanding officer of an infantry training centre has issued orders that soldiers wishing to get married must apply for permission to do so through their company commanders, and that such applications must be accompanied by certificates from two responsible persons as to the woman's character; and whether this order has his approval?

Commanding officers have not been instructed or authorised to require soldiers to obtain permission to get married, and I am not aware of any case in which a commanding officer has acted in the manner suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that such a case did arise and that the War Office informed journalists who inquired that this authorisation did exist and had existed for a long time; and will he make further inquiries to see whether such a regulation does exist?

The answer is as I have stated. If the hon. Member can give me information concerning any particular case, I shall be glad to look into it.