HC Deb 20 May 1919 vol 116 cc177-8
86. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Post- master-General whether he is aware of the delay caused at the Post Office Savings Bank in London in forwarding to discharged and demobilised sailors and soldiers their war gratuity; and what measures are being taken to remedy the same?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

I may refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Salford (South) on the 8th of this month.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are still very many complaints with regard to this delay? Has he investigated the matter, and can he assure the House that something really is being done?

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

Yes, there has been an investigation. Where there is delay now is on account of either illegible writing, which is very frequent, or also wrong addresses, or confusion of names which are very much the same. At one time we were about half a million behind, and now we are only something over 30,000.