§ 19. Mr. WRIGHTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether H. A. Gather was employed by the Ministry of Munitions at the shell-filling factory, Chilwell, up to June, 1916; that while in such employment he contracted T.N.T. poisoning and was granted compensation at £l per week; that on 5th October, 1916, he received his calling-up papers to join on the 9th, and was passed into the Army on 13th October after examination before two medical boards at Derby and Normanton barracks and several hospital doctors, and posted to the 2/6th Highland Light Infantry, No. 61699, on 14th October, was taken before the medical officer on 15th October, who passed him for discharge; that his commanding officer refused to sign his discharge and he was placed in Category E and remained in the Army for 165 days, doing neither duties or parades; that he was discharged on 23rd March, 1917, from the 104th Training Reserve, Edinburgh, without pension or allowance; that his pension for poisoning was stopped immediately on his joining the Army; that he is unable to work owing to the poisoning or to earn his livelihood; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter and take the necessary action?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am having inquiry made into the third and fourth parts of my hon. Friend's question and will acquaint him of the result as soon as possible. 2660 The remaining part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions.
§ Mr. WRIGHTIs there a difference of opinion between the War Office and the Ministry as to which Department is responsible?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am not quite sure about that, but I will make inquiries.