§ 9. Mr. WILLIAM YOUNGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is yet able to give any information as to why the allotment made by William Christie, No. 45,955, 2nd air mechanic, No. A Flight, 47th Squadron, Salonika Forces, Salonika, in November has not yet been paid to his wife, although at least ten or twelve applications have been made to the Pay Office on the subject?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe paymaster reports that he has not received any authority to increase the allotment, and until that is received I am afraid that nothing can be done. The soldier should therefore take up the matter with his commanding officer.
§ Mr. YOUNGIs there not far too much red-tape about this sort of thing, and is the hon. Gentleman not aware that according to the general report the Pay Office is in an absolutely inefficient condition?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have no reason to think that is so. If my hon. Friend can 1100 give me any information, I will certainly make inquiry, and see whether anything can be done.
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is communication with the commanding officer in order to see whether the man's wishes can be ascertained.
§ Mr. YOUNGDoes the hon. Gentleman not see that where there is this very great delay, in the meantime the soldier's wife is suffering very great hardship?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am very sorry if she has ground of complaint.