§ 24. Mr. G. TERRELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the claim of the mother of Shoeing-smith 1879 R. J. England, R.F. 2,525 (Army Pay Office, Dover), whose father died on the 20th December last, for separation allowance, is barred by reason of no application for same having been made before the 10th of December; and, if not, whether he will give all necessary instructions for its payment?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is no evidence before the War Office that this woman was dependent upon the soldier before the outbreak of war, he being then already in the Army; and in default of such evidence there is no claim to separation allowance from Army funds. The question of date of application does not appear to be the only bar.
§ Mr. TERRELLIf I give the hon. Gentleman the papers will he go into the matter, because I think he is mistaken?
§ Mr. FORSTERCertainly.
§ 27. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of William Thomas, who served in the 3rd Hussars for twenty-one years, obtaining a medal for long service and good conduct, and subsequently in the Army Service Corps as barrack colour-sergeant and barrack warden; whether he is aware that on retiring from service Thomas was given a pension of 2s. 3d. a day, but has received no money since 31st December; why the pension has not been paid and whether it is the intention of the War Office to deprive Thomas of his pension; and, if so, the grounds on which such action is being taken?
§ Mr. FORSTERI regret to say that an error was made in this case owing to a misapprehension as to the facts. I am having this fully investigated. The pension was issued on the 6th instant.