75. Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the delay in returning to the societies soldiers' cards in Class B is preventing them from completing their accounts; and whether it is possible to return immediately all the cards for the first quarter and expedite the return of the cards for the second quarter?
§ Mr. MASTERMANA large number of soldiers' cards have been received by the Commissioners, chiefly from foreign stations. Where sufficient information is given on the card to indicate the society to which the soldier belongs, the card is sent to the society. All such cards for the first quarter and most of those for the second quarter have already been disposed of. The Commissioners have also 586 received a large number of cards for the first quarter and a smaller number for the second quarter not bearing the name of any society. There is reason to believe that many of these cards were surrendered by men who have subsequently joined societies within the prescribed time, which, for men serving abroad on 15th December, does not expire until 30th June next. A circular was therefore issued in November, 1912, inviting societies to apply for any soldiers' cards wanted by them which have been forwarded to the Corn-mission. The cards so applied for are being disposed of as applications are received. I am considering what further steps can be taken to ascertain which of these cards belong to soldiers who have joined societies, and to dispose of them accordingly.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSCan the right hon. Gentleman say what will happen if the stamps on the cards are not paid up by the societies?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI should like to have notice of that question.