§ 22. Mr. John Dugdaleasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardship caused to wounded men who are asked to pay for kit that they have lost in action; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Sir J. GriggIn the circumstances described in the Question a soldier is not required to pay for kit. A soldier is only required to pay for loss of kit if he has been found guilty of a charge laid under Section 24 (2) of the Army Act of losing his kit by neglect either by a court-martial or by his commanding officer, dealing 9 summarily with the charge. In the latter case of course the soldier has the right to elect trial by court-martial. The value of the articles lost is stated in the charges. If the hon. Member knows of any cases in which these rules appear not to have been followed, I will gladly have them investigated.
§ Mr. DugdaleIs my right hon. Friend aware that a constituent of mine, who is now lying in hospital after being wounded in France, is being charged at the rate of 5s. a week for kit lost in the invasion?
§ Sir J. GriggPerhaps my hon. Friend will send me particulars, and I will have them investigated. Unless the kit was lost by neglect the charges should not have been made.
§ Sir H. WilliamsDoes this man come under the right hon. Gentleman's reference to the sundial?