§ 108. Major Sir CHARLES HUNTERasked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of complaints from relatives of officers killed that their kits have been looted in transit and anything of value abstracted; if he is aware that a large number of parcels now being sent to the troops never reach their destination; and if he will have a searching inquiry made into these matters?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe experience of the War Office is that the kits of deceased officers as received in England usually agree with any inventories furnished by 1836 units. There is no evidence of looting in transit, and I would remind the hon. Member that units in the firing line and advanced dressing stations have very heavy work to do in the heat of the battle apart from the safeguarding of effects. I fear that some liability to loss under the circumstances cannot be avoided, but the matter is being taken up. The second part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a widespread feeling in the Army that these articles are stolen?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes; I know that there is a widespread feeling, and we all greatly regret that there should be any cause for it. The matter is being taken up with the-authorities in France.
Sir C. KINLOOH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the majority of the articles are most valuable, and are by no means articles of no account?
§ Sir C. HUNTERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of relatives are writing, saying that articles of value are extracted?
§ Mr. FORSTERYes; I have already told my hon. Friend that the matter is being taken up with the authorities in France.