§ 113. Mr. DOUGLAS HALLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the late Quartermaster-sergeant Blake, Royal Garrison Artillery, died of pneumonia, contracted while discharging the duties of clerk to the officer commanding Section 1 of the Portsmouth defences in December last; whether he is aware, that Blake had retired previous to the War with over fourteen years and nine months' service as a civil subordinate clerk, Royal Garrison Artillery, but rejoined on the outbreak of War; and whether he will explain why his widow, who was entirely dependent upon him, has received no pension or allowance from the Army but only a cheque for £10 from the Compassionate Fund?
Mr. BAKERMr. Blake, at the time of his death, was serving as a civil subordinate. Under the Acts of Parliament regulating such matters, his widow was not entitled to any payment, but in view of the circumstances of the case a sum of £10 was given from the small Compassionate Fund at the disposal of the Army Council. I am glad to know that she received a sum of money under a life policy.