§ 9. Mr. WALTER HALLSasked the Secretary of State for War why the time-expired bounty is withheld in the case of ex-Lance-Corporal Armitage, 2/5th battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers; and is he aware that on 12th September, 1917, a memorandum was sent to this man stating that his service has now been established as from 15th November, 1912, therefore admitting that he had qualified for the bounty?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am not aware of the contents of the memorandum which is stated to have been sent to this man on 12th September, 1917, but the bounty referred to is issuable in the case of men re-enlisted or recalled to the colours, only to those who had previously been discharged, on termination of engagement, since the outbreak of War. Lance-Corporal Armitage does not fulfil this necessary condition, having been discharged medically unfit on 6th August, 1914, before the termination of his engagement. He is, therefore, ineligible for a bounty in respect of his subsequent re-enlistment.
§ Mr. HALLSIs my right hon. Friend aware that this man's receipt of his demobilisation pay of £5 was his first indication that he had left the Army; that he was ill at the time, and for two months afterwards?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt must be obvious that I cannot carry in my mind the facts of each case. If my hon. Friend will send me any further information, I shall be glad.