HC Deb 01 July 1914 vol 64 cc371-2W
Mr. JOYCE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the circumstances attending the death of Henry Hartney, gunner, Royal Garrison Artillery, regimental number 27,073, who was killed accidentally while on duty and obeying orders at the Forth Bridge in the month of September, 1913; what, if anything, has been done for his widowed mother in the way of compensation for the death of her son; what inquiry has been held in this case; and will the War Department grant some compensation to his mother to help her in the loss she has sustained by the death of her son?

Mr. TENNANT

It is not the practice to give compensation to the parents of soldiers who meet with accidents in the Service unless these accidents occur in very exceptional circumstances, or unless the parents were dependent upon the soldier. I am having further inquiries made, and if the hon. Gentleman will ask me again in a little time, I will give him an answer.