§ 4. Mr. John Morganasked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds Private Frederick Hubbard, No. 556,870, has been discharged from the Army and the terms of compensation offered to him on the termination of his service?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMr. Frederick Hubbard was discharged from the Army as physically unfit after one year and 293 days service. His disability was constitutional and not attributable to Army service, and he was awarded a gratuity of £6 on discharge in accordance with the terms of the Pay Warrant.
§ Mr. MorganIf it can be shown that this man had a clean bill of health before joining the Army, will that be a sufficient ground for a reconsideration of his case?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI can assure the hon. Member that I am only too ready to reconsider any case, but this was a constitutional disability.
§ Mr. MorganWas it certified by some competent medical authority?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir.
§ 5. Mr. Sextonasked the Secretary of State for War the total sum paid and due to be paid to date to owners of patents of the Bren gun; and how much of that total has been paid, or is due to be paid, since 15th March, 1939?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt would be contrary to the invariable practice to disclose payments to contractors or royalty owners.
§ Mr. SextonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in addition to increasing German military strength by our export of raw materials, we are increasing their financial strength by continuing these payments?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThat may be, but it is not customary for this country to repudiate a payment when it is legally contracted.
§ Mr. ShinwellHas the ownership of these royalties passed to the control of the German Government?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot say that without notice.
§ Mr. ShinwellDo I understand that the right hon. Gentleman has not followed the progress of these royalties?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI do not think it is necessary to ask a question of that kind. If the hon. Member wants any information I shall be happy to give it.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the right hon. Gentleman state that no royalties or other payments in respect of this gun are being made to persons of other than British nationality?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot say that. All I can say is that any payment which the British Government has contracted to pay must be honoured.
§ Mr. A. EdwardsIs it not true that Czecho-Slovakia yesterday repudiated the interest on the loan from this country, and cannot this be off-set against it?