HC Deb 23 February 1917 vol 90 cc1588-90
2. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked how many men suffering from disabilities due to service have been transferred into Class W or WT of the Reserve since its formation instead of being discharged; and whether any provision is made for such men or their dependants in the event of their being unable to find suitable work or prevented from earning by reason of illness not due to military service?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

My hon. Friend will, I am sure, realise that exact figures cannot be given in answer to the first part of the question. As I have previously explained, Class W is not intended for men suffering from disabilities, though I am afraid that some may have been passed to it. In regard to the second and third parts of the question I would refer to the answers which I gave on the 13th instant on this subject.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answers he gave on the 13th do not answer any of the questions I have put to him to-day?

Mr. FORSTER

No, I am not aware of that.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

That being so, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to put down my questions again.

Mr. FORSTER

Certainly.

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

Is it a fact that men who are passed into this Reserve by mistake receive neither pay nor separation allowance nor other consideration for the time they are there, although they are not able to get work?

Mr. FORSTER

They are restored to their civilian status while they are in these Reserves; therefore they do not draw Army pay or allowances.

Mr. A. WILLIAMS

Are we to understand that during the time they are in W Reserve they receive neither pay nor any other consideration, although they are unable to get work and have been put there by mistake of the military authorities?

Mr. FORSTER

The hon. Gentleman has repeated his question, and I can only repeat my answer.