asked the Lord President of the Council whether it is explained to personnel of the Armed Forces that the ante-natal children's allowances granted to other ranks are not payable to the wives of commissioned officers, including those who have served in the ranks?

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council made it clear in his original statement and in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 26th January that officers were not entitled to this allowance on behalf of their wives. The instructions since issued do not specifically exclude officers but this is implied by the fact that the instructions relate to family allowance which is issuable only to soldiers, sailors and airmen.