§ 17. Sir JOHN BUTCHERasked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that long delays frequently intervene between the demobilisation of soldiers and the payment of their gratuities, and that such delays frequently cause much hardship; and whether he will take steps to accelerate the payment of these gratuities as much as possible, or to pay a substantial portion thereof immediately on demobilisation and to pay the balance as soon as possible thereafter?
Captain GUESTMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The gratuity due to a demobilised soldier is deposited for him in the Post Office Savings Bank, and the Savings Bank book should be ready for issue at the local Post Office on the due date, namely, the last day of the man's dispersal furlough on which day he ceases to be a soldier. Cases of delay at the present time are, I understand, quite exceptional, but if my hon. and learned Friend will give me particulars of any such cases I shall be glad to have them investigated.