§ Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the parents of deceased soldiers have been refused the pay books belonging to their sons, thus being compelled to accept any statement that the War Office may give with regard to their sons' credits; and whether he will direct that parents or next-of-kin of deceased soldiers will not only be given their pay books, but that they shall be provided with a proper statement of their accounts?
Mr. GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is in accordance with Army Regulations that the pay books of the soldiers are retained on discharge or demobilisation; whether he is aware 1934W that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the soldiers in consequence of their inability to check statements as to their credits or indebtedness when made by the regimental paymasters; and whether he will direct that soldiers being discharged or demobilised shall not only have the right to retain their pay book, but shall be supplied with an intelligible statement of their accounts?
Captain GUESTThe pay books are vouchers to the public accounts and are necessarily retained with them. In the event of a demobilised or discharged soldier or the next of kin of a deceased soldier applying for a statement of account, such statement is furnished and the pay book will be produced for inspection at the appropriate Pay Office if so desired. I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction on this subject.