HC Deb 27 June 1917 vol 95 cc357-8
13. Mr. WATT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the regimental paymaster at Perth refused to sanction the payment of £15 sent home from France by Lance-Corporal David Ross, No. 226,032, 10th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, for the benefit of his mother and uncle, saying that £3 was only admissible to be paid, and denying the relatives any explanation of the refusal to pay the balance; if so, will he say why soldiers are discouraged to remit home for the benefit of their relatives any savings they may have made from their wages and allowances?

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

Owing to clerical error the account showed only £3 available, and the paymaster gave the only explanation he could. The matter has since been put right, and the whole sum of £15 has been issued. There was no idea of discouraging remittances.

Mr. WATT

Will the right hon. Gentleman say when the money was paid?

Mr. FORSTER

As soon as it was discovered what amount was due to the man.