HC Deb 26 October 1899 vol 77 cc724-5
SIR HOWARD VINCENT

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what proportion of the Reservists summoned to the colours have responded to the appeal, of what regiments besides the Royal Welsh Fusiliers all the Reservists have come up, and how many of the whole have been rejected as medically unfit; what arrangements the Government are making to keep open the posts of Reservists in its employ against their return after the campaign; and if the example set by many employers in Sheffield and elsewhere has been followed of granting maintenance allowances to wives and children during the absence of their husbands in the service of the country.

*MR. WYNDHAM

Of the Reservists summoned to the colours, 98.04 per cent. rejoined, and .91 per cent. accounted satisfactorily for their absence, leaving 1.05 per cent. as failing to report themselves. Of the Reservists who rejoined 7.11 per cent. were found unfit for service. The posts. in Government employment vacated by Reservists will be kept open for them; and a maintenance allowance for their wives and children will be granted, as already explained to this House. In the Royal Welsh Fusiliers six Reservists are unaccounted for, and, so far, the Royal Scots has been the only regiment in which all were accounted for, though in four others there remained but one each who has not answered the call.

SIR HOWARD VINCENT

Will the posts of Reserve men in the Post Office and the Metropolitan Police be kept open for them?

*MR. WYNDHAM

Yes. What I have said applies generally to all employees under Government.

MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S. E.)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office will he explain why Reservists are made to pay 3s. 7d. for certificates of birth of children when applying for the Government relief.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. Powell-Williams,) Birmingham

I think there must be some misapprehension on this subject. If the hon. and gallant Member can furnish me with particulars of any such charges having been made I will inquire with a view to the money being refunded.