HC Deb 08 March 1949 vol 462 cc958-9
4. Sir Ralph Glyn

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will have immediate inquiries made into the reason why pay and allowances due to Staff Sergeant D. A. Coote, S/5335775, Royal Army Service Corps, whilst serving in India have not been settled; whether he will arrange for more expeditious methods to be adopted in dealing with these matters; and whether he will state how many such claims are at present outstanding.

Mr. Shinwell

As the account of this non-commissioned officer is maintained in West Africa I have called for information by cable. When it has been received I will write to the hon. Member. This claim relates to service with the Indian Army Corps of Clerks and all reasonable claims of this nature are dealt with as quickly as possible bearing in mind that the majority concern payments accounted for by the local Indian authorities before 1st November, 1944. Not more than 50 of these claims are still outstanding.

Sir R. Glyn

Can the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to provide money not only for this non-commissioned officer, but for others in similar circumstances, as they are deprived of what is really due to them and they have no knowledge of when this money will be paid?

Mr. Shinwell

This has to do with the Indian Army Corps of Clerks and not with me.