PENSIONS - FOR MOTHERS.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sia,—The Chancellor of the E7ichequer has announced that the Government has instituted an inquiry into the question of the provision of pensions for mothers (see Times, Feb. 21st). It is worth while to consider whether the money required (it has been stated at £16,000,000 a year) cannot be utilised to improve the health of the nation generally. Why should a man suffering from an incurable disease be encouraged to marry at all ? Why should a man suffering from a curable complaint (it is obvious what in particular is aimed at) be encouraged to marry until he is cured ?
Is there any sufficient reason why in order to obtain the benefit of the pension for his wife and children a man should not submit himself to examination by a doctor before marriage? If he obtains a clean bill of health, well and good. If not, it is well that the woman should know it. There is no com- pulsion beyond that which necessarily and profitably for himself and the woman and the children and the nation arises from the operation of the scheme. The expense of examination by the doctor would obviously have to be borne by the nation and would be cheap at the cost.
If examination of the woman could be included, it would be better still.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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