§ Mr. MORRELLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will inquire whether Corporal E. H. Willan, No. 2243, 14th Hussars, late of the Indian Forces, died at No. 2, Rawal Pindi B.G.H., Amara, Mesopotamia, on 22nd December, 1916; if so, will he say why no official notice of this soldier's death has been sent to his mother; whether steps will be taken to give her a grant or pension in respect of her son; and whether his effects will be returned to her?
§ Mr. MACPHERSON2243 Corporal E. H. Willan, 14th Hussars, is officially reported to have died on December 22nd at Amara. Upon receipt of the report a notification was sent to the address given on Corporal Willan's documents as that of his next-of-kin—i.e., father, Mr. Willan, 36, Mitella Street, Burnley. This was returned by the Post Office marked, "Not known." As no other address was known it was not possible to do anything until receipt of a communication from Corporal Willan's brother on February 12th. Mr. Willan was informed of the casualty and also of the steps taken to notify the next-of-kin. The third part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions. The effects will be dealt with as soon as possible, but a considerable time must elapse before the effects and a statement of account are received from Mesopotamia.