§ 61. Major PRESCOTTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction which exists amongst the legatees or next-of-kin of deceased soldiers owing to the delay in the distribution of gratuities, which in many cases extends considerably over twelve months; and whether anything can be done to expedite the payments so as to remove the prevailing discontent?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe war gratuity was not approved until some six months ago, and I am aware that it has not yet been possible to issue it in the very large number of cases of men who have died since the beginning of the War and whose estates have to be reopened for the purpose. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible is being done to expedite the issue and substantial progress is being made.