§ 32. Mr. WINGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that dissatisfaction is expressed by the local authorities in Houghton-le-Spring at the withdrawal of ring-papers and draft books by paymasters before new issues are ready, thus depriving soldiers' dependants from drawing their allowances regularly, and suspending such payment for indefinite periods, to the inconvenience and injury of dependants; and will a guarantee be given that books will not be withdrawn until new issues are in order, to prevent hardship to those who depend on their weekly allowance?
§ Mr. FORSTERI explained to my hon. Friend in the reply I gave him on the 16th November that the official orders forbid the withdrawal of these papers and books until new ones are received. The cases he has in mind probably refer to draft books which have expired at the end of a quarter. If he will furnish me with particulars of cases I will inquire into any avoidable delays.
§ 40. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Private Patrick Reddin, No. 4260, Leinster Regiment, was serving at the front up to 29th November, 1915, when he was reported missing at headquarters, and has not since been heard of; that up to that time his mother, Mrs. Sarah Red-din, Forge Street, Mountmelliek, Queen's County, was receiving an allowance of 3s. 6d. per week; that since then no allowance has been received by Mrs. Reddin; and, as she is in need of such allowance, will inquiries be made with a view to granting her a pension or gratuity?
§ Mr. FORSTERMrs. Reddin is in receipt of separation allowance in respect of her husband who is serving. Inquiries are being made as to the son, and the result of the inquiries will be communicated to the hon. Member in due course.