83. Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. HOPEasked the Postmaster-General whether the sum. of £ 25 10s. as war gratuity was, on 29th January, 1919, placed in the Post Office Savings Bank, London, by the regimental paymaster, Royal Operating Department, Royal Engineers, to the credit of Sapper John Downie, No. W.R. 126866, of Slate-ford, Midlothian; whether the Controller, Post Office Savings Bank, has received several letters from Sapper Downie, and 363 the money is still unpaid; and whether, in view of the delays that many soldiers are experiencing in obtaining payment of their war gratuities, he will take some action to improve the system and accelerate payment?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pike Pease)Sapper Downie's address was incorrectly furnished to the Post Office by his paymaster, and it was not possible to get into communication with him until he wrote to the Savings Bank Department on the 6th May. Arrangements have now been made for payment of the gratuity. In regard to the general position, as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Salford (South) on the 8th of this month, the war gratuity books are being despatched up to time in accordance with the lists furnished by regimental pay offices, but in some cases incorrect or insufficient particulars furnished on the lists have caused delay. Steps are being taken with the co-operation of the War Office to remedy this defect.