HC Deb 02 March 1916 vol 80 cc1206-8
93. Mr. BUTLER LLOYD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Corporal A. R. H. Davies, No. 12722, 6th King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who was wounded in the spine at Loos and has now received his discharge papers, and consider his parents' belief that with care and skilled treatment for a short time longer their son may be cured, and request that he may not be discharged until every effort has been made to restore him to health?

Mr. TENNANT

The desire of Corporal Davies to remain in the Army does him great credit. I understand that he is at present a patient in the Kingsland Red Cross Hospital, Shrewsbury, and further inquiry is being made as to his present state of health, and his parents' request, as stated in the question, will receive every consideration.

100. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can say why Mrs. M. Harte, of Maiden Street, Newcastle West, county Limerick, wife of Sergeant Patrick Harte, No. 3497, Royal Munster Fusiliers, attached to the 2nd, who was mentioned in Sir John French's dispatches for bravery and distinguished conduct, has not received, since the 2nd January last, her separation allowance of 19s. 8d. a week, but a pension from Army funds of 11s. a week, although there is no proof of the death of her husband; and whether her application for separation allowance will be granted?

Mr. FORSTER

This soldier was reported missing on 20th May of last year, and has not been heard of since. In such circumstances payment of separation allowance and allotment continues for thirty weeks from the date on which the payee is notified that a soldier is missing, after which pension becomes payable. This procedure has been followed in the case of Sergeant Harte.

102. Mr. TOUCHE

asked whether a man is discharged from the Army upon the recommendation of the medical board and before the amount of his pension has been settled by Chelsea, and whether a gap of some weeks occurs between the time when he ceases to receive Army pay and becomes entitled to his pension; and what arrangements are made by the War Office to meet this obvious hardship?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir; the arrangements made by the War Office are such that the delay feared by the hon. Member does not occur, except by mishap in an occasional case.