§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the decision of his Department concerning the claim of Mrs. Harriet Gordon, of Portefract, to be served heir to the estate of her deceased illegitimate son, 3,810, Private Peter Atkinson, 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment, was in part based on the erroneous assumption that she had neglected him to such an extent that he had become chargeable upon the rates, he would have the case reopened with a view to the reconsideration of the woman's claim?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Haldane)If the mother can bring forward any independent and trustworthy evidence to show that she maintained the soldier during his infancy and childhood or before he was able to earn his own living, her case will be further considered.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEIs he aware that it was after the marriage the boy was sent to the workhouse?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am aware there is a good deal of obscurity about the evidence. We will look into it.