§ Sir MONTAGUE BARLOWasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mrs. Porter, of 1, Duncan Street, Salford, mother of Private J. Porter, No. 1981, Manchester Regiment and Private Allan Porter, No. 14926, ⅞th Royal Irish Regiment, both of whom lost their lives in the War, is unable to obtain the estate and effects belonging to her two sons; whether one died in July, 1918, and the other was missing in November, 1917, and whether, in view of the long time that has elapsed, he will at once have the matter looked into?
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§ Mr. FORSTERIn the case of Private A. Porter, the soldier's death was not presumed for official purposes until October last. His accounts show that the amounts paid to him, or on his behalf, exceeded the amounts due to him on account of pay, etc. The war gratuity authorised by Royal Warrant of 17th Dececber last, is being assessed in his case among others, and his mother (and legatee) will be informed when any amount is available for issue. In the case of Private J. Porter, who died at Kantara, the settlement of the estate has been delayed by belated charges on account of payments in the field and by a question of the validity of an informal will which it has not yet been found possible to settle, but the War Office is in communication with the relatives on the subject.