§ 12. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mrs. Michael M'Hugh, of 30, William street, Shettleston, the wife of a soldier, against whom a warrant for ejectment within forty-eight hours has been granted for arrears of rent; whether he is aware that the woman's husband is lying wounded at a hospital in Rouen; that a son is home on sick furlough, having been twice wounded; that two of her five children at home are ill with pneumonia and whooping-cough; that the arrears of rent, which are under 20s., are largely due to the necessity for providing extra nourishment for her sick children; and that the Shettleston branch of the Miners' Union, of which the soldier is a member, was arranging to pay the arrears; and whether he will consider the possibility of the War Office taking steps to deal with such cases?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I will have inquiries made into the case referred to by the hon. Member. I am afraid that the general question of relief from payment of rent is not a matter which falls within the competence of the War Office.
§ Mr. GALBRAITHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that some people have received notice to quit their homes for no other reason than that their sons have joined the Colours?
§ Mr. FORSTERI could not quite catch what fell from the hon. Member, but I am having full inquiries made into the case, and if I can do anything to help I will do it gladly.