§ 13. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware 358 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. FORSTERAs soon as it was discovered what amount was due to the man.