§ MR. SWIFT MACNEILLI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a sum amounting to about £40 arrears of pay for service in South Africa, due to Sergeant W. C. Forster, 18th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry Corps, who, having served his full time with the colours, 1440 went into reserve, re-enlisted, and volunteered after discharge for South Africa, has not yet been paid him, notwithstanding numerous personal applications made by him to the War Office, and urgent letters written on his behalf to Lord Roberts, the Secretary of State for War, and the War Office; and what explanation, if any, can be given for the delay by the War Office in the payment of this sum which has caused Sergeant Forster inconvenience and distress.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.The hon. Member appears to be misinformed. The rank of sergeant was not conferred on this soldier, and it appears clearly from the accounts that no further sum is due to him. It is a fact that he has made many applications to the War Office and to various-individuals. He has, however, been informed in writing more than once of the facts to which I have referred, and a verbal explanation to the same effect has also been given.