HC Deb 26 April 1920 vol 128 cc869-70W
Mr. GRUNDY

asked the Postmaster-General whether Mr. J. Perkins, No. 74,651, late Royal Engineers, was employed as a low category man in the High Wycombe post office from 19th February, 1917, until 3rd February, 1919; whether Mr. Perkins was entitled to working pay for the civil work which he performed at this office; whether a printed form in support of the claim was submitted through the postmaster of High Wycombe on 29th March, 1919; and whether he will cause immediate inquiries to be made as to the failure to pay Mr. Perkins the money to which he was entitled, and as to the very great delay which has occurred?

Mr. HIRST

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Mr. J. Perkins, No. 74,651, late Royal Engineers, was invalided home to the Birmingham University Hospital as unfit for further military service and was classified B 3; whether he was informed that he would be realeased upon reporting to the depot at Fenny Stratford, but instead of being demobilised he was sent to the High Wycombe post office and was made responsible for the civilian telegraph work of that town; whether he was so employed from 19th February, 1917, until 3rd February, 1919, and that though he was entitled to working pay under Army Council Instruction 2,160 no payments whatever were made; whether Mr. Perkins wrote to the Army authorities at Bedford claiming the money which was due to him and received instructions to submit a printed form which was enclosed through the postmaster of High Wycombe; whether this form was submitted on the 29th March, 1919; whether on lath January, 1919, a letter was sent to Mr. Perkins by Lieutenant P. G. Jones, of the pay office, Bedford, stating that the matter was receiving attention, and on the 16th June, 1919, Captain H. Healey, of the C signal depot, Bedford, stated that the claim was held up pending a decision by the Post Office; and whether, seeing that further correspondence has passed without result, and that the sum outstanding is over £100, he will issue urgent instructions for this matter to receive immediate attention?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

I am having inquiries made into this case, and will communicate the result to the hon. Members as soon as possible.