§ 71. Mr. PETOasked whether the scheme for meeting fixed charges such as rent, rates, insurance premiums, etc., in the case of men now serving in the ranks of the Army will also include men serving in the Navy as well as junior officers in the Navy and Royal Naval Reserve?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe scheme applies to men who have joined the Navy on or after the 4th August, 1914.
§ Mr. PETOCan he say whether in the case of the Royal Naval Reserve men it would not apply to those who were on the list of the Royal Naval Reserve before the outbreak of the War?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI should like to consult the Secretary to the Admiralty before answering that question.
72. Mr. BARLOWasked what number of applications have now been received by the Committee for providing grants for serving soldiers and sailors under the Civil Liabilities Relief scheme, and in how many cases grants have already been allotted; also what steps have been taken to inform officers that they are entitled to apply for relief under the scheme; and how many officers have made application?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe number of applications received, including applications still under investigation by the Commissioners, is approximately 50,000. Grants have been allotted in approximately 10,000 cases. The extension of the scheme to junior officers was notified to the Officers' Families Fund, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, and the Statutory Committee, and was given publicity by the. Press. Up to the present only about a dozen applications from officers have reached the Committee. I cannot say how many such applications are before the Commissioners.