§ Sir PETER GRIGGSasked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry if he is aware that no definite reply has been given by the officer in charge of the Casualties Department, Royal Air Force, to Mr. E. H. R. Stephens, of 21, Clarendon Gardens, Ilford, respecting the proved death and burial of his son, Second-Lieutenant D. E. Stephens, to enable him to settle his affairs, and also not to be in the position of having to continue payment of his life insurance premium, etc.; and will he make inquiries into the matter?
§ Major-General SEELYIn cases where there is no certain evidence of the death of an officer, but where the facts would appear to establish a presumption of death, the regular practice based on legal advice is to forward to the next-of-kin a letter stating that death has been presumed. Such a letter was sent to Mr. Stephens at the address mentioned in the question on the 26th February last. I am having the case investigated with a view to ascertaining whether anything further can be done.