HC Deb 26 November 1914 vol 68 cc1288-9
18. Mr. BARNES

asked if postmasters and sub-postmasters have been instructed to give the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association all information in their possession connected with the amounts being paid to wives of soldiers and sailors; what is the purpose expected to be served by the instruction; are the wives of our fighters under the official surveillance of the association in question; and if the cheque books of the persons entitled to pensions are kept at the post office instead of being kept by the person to whom the payments are made?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Such instructions have been given. The arrangement applies to local relief committees and charitable societies generally and was made, with the concurrence of the Admiralty and the War Office, in order to prevent overlapping of relief. Books of postal drafts for payment of Army or Navy allowances are kept at post offices, the payee being required to produce a certificate of identity on the occasion of each payment.

Mr. BARNES

Is there any reason why the payees should not have the books in their own possession?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The present system seems to me to be no trouble at all, and enables the payment to a great number of persons who are congregated in certain offices to be made much quicker than it would otherwise be done; and so far as I know there is no objection at all on the part of the people.

Mr. BARNES

Is it not open to the objection that information relative to these people can be given to fussy people?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That may or may not be; but it has nothing to do with getting the postal drafts ready for payment.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the postmaster of Stoke-on-Trent has called attention to the fact that he could dispense this pay much quicker if the applicant for the money presented the book instead of him having to go through the whole list and find out the applicant?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, Sir, I do not think so, because the person who comes from the applicant has to produce the identification certificate at the same time as making the application for payment, in order that postal drafts may be given on one side and cash on the other. I have had no representations of the kind to which my hon. Friend refers.