§ MR. McLAREN (Leicester, Bosworth)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the deferred pay and effects of the late Private Heppingstall, of the Leicestershire Regiment, who died six months ago, are still retained by the War Office instead of being handed to his next of kin; whether it is alleged by the War Office that the effects have not yet been reported by the colonel of the regiment, notwithstanding repeated demands by the next of kin; and whether it is consistent with the Army Regulations for commanding officers of regiments to retain the effects of deceased soldiers, and also their deferred pay for long periods, instead of promptly reporting them to the War Office on the death of the soldier?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.The effects of the late-Private Heppingstall have just been reported, and the amount has been issued to the agent for payment to his father. The delay, as already explained, was unavoidable under the circumstances.