The normal family allowance is designed to assist soldiers in the maintenance of their homes. When these homes have been broken up in the circumstances indicated, family allowance is not issuable, but the soldier can be placed under compulsory stoppages of pay under the provisions of Section 145 (2) of the army Act. Where, in the case of a man called up for war service, the stoppage is appreciably less than the payment he was previously making for the support of his wife and of any children in her care, it can be supplemented by the Ministry of Pensions on the recommendation of the War Service Grants Advisory Committee.

I will see whether the procedure for making payments under court orders can be expedited, but, in cases of difficulty, the wife can apply for temporary help from the Unemployment Assistance Board. If the hon. Member for Kingstonupon-Hull, East (Mr. Muff) will send me particulars of the case he has in mind, I will have immediate inquiries made. It is not the case that court orders are ignored by my Department.