HC Deb 26 February 1895 vol 30 cc1566-7
MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE (Sussex, Horsham)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he could arrange for a list of soldiers' balances unclaimed to be exhibited at post offices?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

I cannot reply decisively to this question without first consulting the Post Office; but, with the figures before me in respect to the last few years, which show the very small sum remaining unissued, I do not think much would be gained by recourse to the plan suggested. The soldier has every opportunity in his "Small Book" of placing on record the names of those; to whom his property should go; and, in the case of his death, every effort is made at the War Office to give effect to his wishes. A certain number of men enlist under false names, and it is improbable that their representatives would, under any arrangement, be traced.

MR. R. W. HANBURY

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the small sum still remaining unissued?

*MR. WOODALL

The hon. Gentleman had better put that question down.