Mr. BARLOWasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private T. G. Ellison, who volunteered early in the War, was discharged from the 15th Lancashire Fusiliers on 6th November, 1915, without a civilian coat, suffering from lung trouble, after seven months in hospital; and whether, in view of the fact that his illness was entirely due to his military service, some State provision will be made to help Private Ellison, who has a wife and four children?
§ Mr. FORSTERThis case was fully considered at the time, and was reconsidered on appeal. The medical authorities are clear that the disability was neither caused nor aggravated by military service, and a pension cannot, therefore, be given from Army Funds.
§ Sir CHARLES NICHOLSONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men discharged from hospital on furlough pending discharge from the Army find a difficulty in obtaining civil employment while they are waiting for their discharge papers; and whether arrangements will be made too provide them with temporary discharge certificates?
§ Mr. FORSTERInstructions for dealing with the discharges of soldiers provide for discharge papers reaching them within twenty-four hours of discharge. I do not, therefore, think that any necessity exists for the issue of temporary discharge certificates; but if my hon. Friend has any information to show that the instructions are not operating satisfactorily, perhaps he will be good enough to give me instances.