§ 71. Major Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary for War if he is aware that great discontent is being caused among demobilised soldiers by the deduction of hospital stoppages, and lost kit and equipment stoppages, in many cases incurred months before the man's demobilisation, from gratuities; and if he is aware that these incidents are largely due to the carelessness of many units in their entries in men's Army Books 64?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am afraid that I cannot undertake to modify the Regulation under which the war gratuity is attachable for a debt arising in respect of deficiencies of articles of equipment specified on the- 1805 soldier's dispersal certificate. It is not attachable for anything else, and if the soldiers who have had other deductions made from their gratuities will forward particulars to the Secretary, War Office (Accounts 2, Complaints), the matter will be inquired into.
§ Earl WINTERTONThe question is, whether he is aware of the great discontent which is being caused amongst demobilised soldiers at these deductions, and whether he is aware that these incidents are largely due to the carelessness of many units in their entries in men's Army Books 64?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have answered the specific question on the Paper. I am afraid I cannot undertake to modify the Regulation in question. I am not aware of the incidents alluded to in the latter part of the question of my Noble Friend, but I will make inquiries.