HC Deb 30 April 1919 vol 115 cc146-7
13. Mr. RENWICK

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that nurses who have been employed during the War

are being discharged with as little as twenty-four hours' notice and without receiving a railway warrant to enable them to reach their homes, find in some cases without a settlement of the bonus which was promised to them; and whether, in consideration of the splendid services performed by them during the War, and the difficulty of finding employment, it can be arranged to give them a month's pay in addition to the bonus in cases where they are demobilised at short notice?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I am not aware of any cases where nurses have been discharged at twenty-four hours' notice or without receiving a railway warrant, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with details of specific instances I will have inquiry made. Under the existing Regulations all nurses are given a week's notice before demobilisation is carried out, and the whole of the week may be spent on leave. With regard to the gratuity, steps have been taken to accelerate its issue.

Mr. RENWICK

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that when nurses are discharged free railway warrants will be given to enable them to return to their homes?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, certainly. That is the Regulation now, and I am not aware that it is not being carried out.