§ 43. Mr. WATTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that many Territorial officers are being refused the wound gratuity on the ground that their wounds were not severe, although all the medical reports at the time of the casualty and the telegrams to the relatives described the wounds as severe; is he aware that there is a feeling that such treatment is meted out only to Territorial officers and not to officers in the Regular Army; and will he see that all officers of the forces are put on an equal footing in this respect?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware of any such feeling. All officers are on an equal footing in this respect.
§ Mr. FORSTERThe main part was whether or not any distinction or difference was made as between Territorial and Regular officers. With regard to the first part of the question, gratuities are not payable in respect of wounds which are certified as severe only. My hon. Friend will find in the pay warrant that the gratuities are only payable in respect of very severe wounds.
§ Mr. G. FABERWho decided whether they are severe or very severe?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe medical authorities.
§ Mr. FORSTERVarious medical authorities. If there is any question it comes to the medical authorities at the War Office.