§ 13. Mr. BLISSasked the Postmaster-General if, in view of the long isolation of British subjects in Turkey, he will grant facilities for the sending of mails to Constantinople and Smyrna at the earliest possible moment, especially with a view to reaching British subjects in those towns; and if he will give public notice as to the addressing of such letters and parcels to such places?
§ The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Pease)My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Departments concerned with the reopening of communication with Turkey, and a public announcement will be made as soon as arrangements can be made for resuming the postal service?
§ Mr. BLISSMay I request that special attention will be paid to this matter? Many British subjects have been interned there since the beginning of the War without being able to communicate with their friends.
§ 10. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Pensions Minister if he has received an application for a gratuity in lieu of a pension from Lieutenant George Elliott, Royal Air Force, who enlisted in October, 1915, in the Royal Garrison Artillery, 137th Heavy Battery, was severely wounded, 3097 and discharged on 25th December, 1918; and, if so, can he say what decision has been arrived at?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The decision arrived at is that the application cannot be granted. The grant of a lump sum in lieu of pension is only given in exceptional circumstances and for the purpose of assisting the applicant to emigrate.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMAre not these circumstances exceptional in my hon. Friend's view?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENNo; I do not think so. The man is still serving in the Army. We cannot consider emigration so long as he is in the Service.