§ 32. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association at Bromley Public Hall, Bow Road, have written a letter to a soldier's wife who has eight children under fifteen years of age informing the woman that her daughter had been found in a dirty condition by the nurse at school and threatening to write to the War Office on the matter, and indicating that the separation allowance would doubtless be affected in consequence; whether allowances are affected by the state of cleanliness of the dependant's children; and whether letters of this character have the sanction of the War Office?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have no knowledge of the circumstances, and the War Office has not sanctioned such action. Cleanliness of children is not a matter affecting separation allowances unless there is neglect amounting to cruelty, when the question might arise.
33. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a reservist who emigrated to a foreign country with the permission of the Secretary of State for War, and who has returned to active service during the 357 present War, is entitled to his pension for the time he was residing in a foreign country?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think the hon. Member is referring to reserve pay. Under the Regulations such a reservist, if absent with leave for not more than twelve months, is entitled to receive his reserve pay for the period of his absence.
§ 29. Mr. RENDALLasked why the 4s. 6d. per day, being part of his pay allotted by F. H. Bennett, No. 078,068, Motor Transport, Army Service Corps, stationed at Stockcross, Newbury, to his mother has not been paid to her yet; why Mrs. Bennett's letters to the officer commanding at Grove Park, Lee, dated 16th June, and to the Paymaster-General, dated 24th June, have not been answered or acknowledged; and when Mrs. Bennett will receive the money due to her?
§ Mr. FORSTERI find on inquiry that payment was made on 28th June with effect from 16th April. The delay appears to have been due to an oversight, which is regretted.
§ Sir W. BYLESHas my hon. Friend experience or evidence of there having been many oversights of the same kind?
§ Mr. FORSTERWhen there is such a large number of cases to be dealt with it is surprising how few cases of this kind have occurred. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that, in spite of the tremendous strain which is thrown upon paymasters and their officers, every effort is made to avoid oversight.
§ Sir W. BYLESI am sure that my hon. Friend will make every effort, and I hope that—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]