HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc868-9W
Major NEWMAN

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the delay and difficulty often experienced by soldiers who are discharged from hospital as unfit for further service in getting arrears of pay due to them; whether he is aware that help has hitherto been afforded to these men by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association and kindred bodies from public funds placed at their disposal; and, seeing that the activities of these bodies are about to cease, can he say to whom discharged soldiers and sailors can now look for such temporary help?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I am aware that in the ease of disabled soldiers and sailors discharged from service unavoidable delay sometimes occurs in obtaining the amount due to them in respect of pensions or of arrears of pay. Such cases have in the past been helped by the voluntary organisations referred to, with the assistance, not of public funds, but of the National Relief Fund. The Statutory Committee and local committees are empowered by the Naval and Military War Pensions, etc., Act, and the Regulations under it, to make emergency grants and advances in respect of pensions.