§ 16. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware that in a letter from the War Office, dated 17th January, 1918, Private G. W. Swain, No. S.2,370, 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, is posted as missing from the 29th December, 1916; that the separation allowance of 4s. 11d. per week, which this soldier's mother was receiving, ceased as from the date he was posted as missing; that since that date no pension or allowance has been given; and whether, in view of the hardship involved, he will take steps to have the case inquired into and the necessary action taken at once?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe facts are not quite as stated. Separation allowance was paid up to 10th June. The Paymaster sent a book of allowance forms to the Post Office on 1st January last and wrote to Mrs. Swain on the 15th of that month, but has received no reply. If my hon. and gallant Friend will inform me of Mrs. Swain's present address steps will at once be taken to pay any sums due to her.
§ 78. General CROFTasked the Pensions Minister whether the Ministry of Pensions differentiates in any way between organisations or individuals who send in claims on behalf of discharged sailors or soldiers or their dependants; and, if so, whether he will issue immediate order for all claims to be dealt with purely on their merits?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Hodge)The form of this question leaves me in some doubt as to what differentiation is suggested, but I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that every case is considered purely on its merits, irrespective of the person or organisation by whom it is presented.