§ 39. Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the case of Mrs. Johnston, who, between 10th May and 22nd July, received three Army forms instructing her to return her order books owing to mistakes in the amount of proficiency pay awarded to 20 Private Johnston, 3382390, by his commanding officer, and who has paid back 42s. 6d., recovered 40s., and is now paying back 74s. by a reduction of 5s. in her weekly allowance; and will he take steps to prevent these numerous errors which cause hardship to soldiers' dependants?
§ Mr. EdenI regret that an erroneous interpretation of the regulations, as they affect this case, by the soldier's unit and by the pay authorities has twice resulted in the issue to the dependant of amounts in excess of her entitlement, involving recovery of the over-issues from the current allowance. In view of the exceptional circumstances of this case, I have given instructions that further recovery of the amount over-issued in error should be waived, and the full amount in issue prior to the original mistake restored.
§ Mr. BurkeCan anything be done to prevent these errors, which are numerous, and does the right hon. Gentleman realise that for a woman with a family, to get 5s. a week stopped out of 40s. is an extraordinary hardship? If it can be prevented, something should be done.
§ Mr. EdenI am afraid it is true that there have been difficulties, mainly arising out of the very rapid expansion of the Army. This is one of the problems which I hope the committee which is working at the War Office will help us to resolve.
§ Mr. GallacherDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that the waiving of claims to repayments would be the best way to stop such mistakes being made?