HC Deb 21 May 1910 vol 116 cc380-1
65. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Pioneer P. R. Gilson, No. 23671, came from Canada on the 20th December, 1914, for the purpose of joining His Majesty's Forces, and that he enlisted on the 26th February, 1915, in the 156th Brigade. Royal Field Artillery; if he will say whether application has been made by this soldier for a refund of his passage money if so, whether it has been granted; and if not, what are the reasons for such refusal'

Mr. FORSTER

Under the terms of Army Order 275/1918, a copy of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend refunds of passage money are admissible only in cases in which application to join the British Army was made within a certain interval from the date of arrival in the United Kingdom. The period fixed in the Order, after much consideration, was two months, and this excludes Pioneer Gilson.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that this man was only two months and six days, and considering the early period at which he joined cannot something be done to refund the amount of his passage money?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think it is unfair that where a refund is asked it should be laid down that there should have been no undue delay between a man's arrival in the country and his enlistment. If there are any special circumstances of which my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, I shall be glad to look into them.

Sir F. HALL

If I can point out to my right hon. Friend that this man was desirous of joining one specific regiment, which was only formulated at that date, will he consider the matter?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes. What I am anxious to protect the Department against is the indiscriminate use of the Order to which I have referred. I do not think there ought to have been any undue delay between a man's arrival and his enlistment. If my hon. and gallant Friend can bring any special circumstances connected with this case to my notice I will be very glad to look into it