§ 22. Mr. RONALD McNEILLasked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that the effects of the late Private William West, No. 2116, 4th Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who was lost at sea more than fourteen months ago when returning from Salonika, have never yet been delivered to his next-of-kin, namely, his mother, a widow of sixty-five years of age; and whether, having regard to the circumstances, he will undertake that this poor woman shall receive her son's effects without further delay, or compensation for their loss if not forthcoming?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe officer in charge of Records, Winchester, reports that no personal effects have been received for this soldier, and, as the ship on which the soldier was travelling was lost, it is presumed that any effects he had were lost with him. The balance due to his estate from Army funds has already been paid to his mother, brothers, and sisters on the assumption that he died intestate.
§ Mr. McNEILLIn a case of this sort is there any possibility of compensation for loss of effects in that way by the action of the enemy?
§ Mr. FORSTERI do not see how there can be. We do not know what the effects were.