36. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for War why Musician Wright, Royal Artillery, was paid a gratuity of £25 and was then subsequently forced to refund the money, details of which case have been forwarded to him.
§ Mr. StracheyThe hon. and gallant Member will now have received my hon. Friend's reply on this subject.
Brigadier ClarkeAs a result of my representations, Musician Wright has now got his £25, but does the Minister realise that there are many other men who, having in their patriotism re-enlisted before 1st September, are entitled to this money? Will the Minister see that anyone who enlisted during a similar period gets his £25 gratuity.
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot go into this case in detail. Of course, when a bounty is given for re-enlistment over a particular period, it must apply to that period, and there must be hard cases of persons who enlist either immediately before or immediately after that period. It cannot be extended.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this man applied before 1st September, was subsequently attested after 1st October, was paid the money, and then it was withdrawn from him? Had it not been withdrawn from him the matter would never have come to light, and the other men who ought to get this payment probably would never have got it.