§ Mr. STURROCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether the residue of the estates of deceased soldiers may be invested under the powers conferred upon him by Section 9 (1) of the Regimental Debts Act, 1893; whether he has power under the same Section and paragraph to distribute the estate in its entirety if he thinks fit; whether he is aware that the present practice of the War Office is causing much hardship and disappointment; whether, in view of the fact that there are some 700,000 war gratuities to next-of-kin yet to issue, he will exercise these powers; and, if not, whether he will seek powers, by Warrant under the Royal Sign Manual, for the better execution of this Act owing to the different circumstances, as provided in Section 13?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe powers of the Secretary of State are as stated in the question, and are adequate. Investment is made only in the case of the shares of children when their interests appear to demand it, and the desirability of expe-1422W dition is not being overlooked in the consideration of the matter.