§ 83. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private James Pemberton, No. 20129, Cheshire Regiment, living at 19, Astbury Street, Congleton, received the Ministry of National Service Form X 59 to appear at Hulme Town Hall, Manchester, at 10 a.m. on 17th October, 1918; whether he is aware that he has been asking since that date for his wages, 10s., and his fare from Congleton, 7s. 10½d., to which he is entitled; whether he is aware that Mr. Henry Beresford, the National Service representative at Congleton, has written two letters about this matter without receiving any reply; and whether he will make suitable arrangements for prompt letters to be written in reply to matters affecting his Department?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe facts as regards Private Pemberton being called up for 40 medical examination appear to be substantially as stated by my hon. Friend, and the necessary action is being taken to refund to him his railway fare, and to compensate him in accordance with scale for the loss of wages. I regret the delay in reply to Mr. Beresford's letters, which appears to have arisen through their being sent to the Pensions Department at Hulme Town Hall. This Department in forwarding one of these letters stated that it had been acknowledged. Owing to the almost complete demobilisation of the National Service staff I have not been able to ascertain what happened in the case of the other.