asked the Minister of Defence if the wives of deserters who give themselves up under the conditions recently announced will be immediately eligible for allowances for themselves and their children.

Yes, Sir. Marriage allowance is payable at the current rate from the date on which a Serviceman rejoins after a period of desertion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make that fact widely known in order that many deserters may be willing to surrender who, but for this provision for their dependants, would be unwilling to do so?

Yes, Sir.