§ 109. Major Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by officers in obtaining through the Army agents any clear account of the gratuity due to them on discharge; and if he can 1439 simplify the procedure so that an officer is sent a cheque direct by the Army paymaster immediately he takes his discharge?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware of the existence of any general difficulty in this connection. The gratuity is credited by the Army agents to the officer's account on receipt of his protection and clearance certificates, and I understand that the agents send the officer a full statement as soon as his account has been finally made up to date of discharge. No Army paymaster is concerned with officers' pay, and it is not considered possible to introduce any simpler procedure.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of one agent, Messrs. Cox, owing to the inadequacy of their staff, it is impossible to obtain an answer under ten days, and very often it is three weeks, and then they generally send the wrong one?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is the result of an enormous pressure of work.
§ Earl WINTERTONWould the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving them clerical assistance or interviewing the heads of this business on the matter, as complaints are widespread amongst officers demobilised that they cannot get the gratuities paid or any explanation?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have no doubt this conversation which has taken place in the House will draw their attention to the matter.