§ 16. Sir H. CRAIKasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the In Memoriam notice in the Adrossan and Saltcoats "Herald" news paper of 14th March, 1919, and the Troon and Prestwick "Times" newspaper of 14th March, 1919, inserted in memory of Gunner Robert Walker by his widow, and stating that he had been sacrificed for a 1074 callous and unjust country, and calling upon Heaven to avenge his children; is he aware that this In Memoriam notice has been reproduced in the "Forward" newspaper, of Glasgow, in a manner calculated to stir up indignation against the Army and pensions administration; and whether he has inquired into the facts of this case?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSMy attention has been called to this matter. I regret that the newspapers accepted these advertisements, and that the "Forward" should have given them further publicity for propaganda purposes. I have personally investigated the case, and I have satisfied myself that the State could not possibly accept liability for the death of Mrs. Walker's husband. Gunner Walker joined for service on the 7th March, 1917, and after six days' service was removed to hospital, where, four days later, he died. The cause of his death was delirium tremens, resulting' from alcoholism. I regret that it should be necessary for me to publish those facts, but the scandalous attempt to make mischief owing to the refusal of pension leaves me with no alternative.