HC Deb 09 March 1920 vol 126 cc1084-5
35 and 36. Major CAYZER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists owing to the long delays that are being experienced in the settlement of accounts for credits and war gratuities due to soldiers on their demobilisation; whether he can give an assurance that steps will be taken to expedite the settlement of these accounts:

(2) whether, in cases where exceptionally long delays have occurred, through no fault on the part of the soldier, in the payment of credits and war gratuities due on demobilisation, interest can be allowed on the total sum due to the soldier, such interest to be charged after a period of, say, two months has elapsed from the date of demobilisation, and to be calculated from the date of demobilisation to the date of payment?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

Delay in the settlement of the accounts for credits and gratuities is inevitable in the case of soldiers who have returned from India, owing to Last Pay Certificates and other necessary information being outstanding In these cases, provisional settlements are made and the required documents, &c, are cabled for. I am not aware of any other cases of delay. I regret that I am unable to entertain the proposal to allow interest.