Mr. GIDEON MURRAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether Private Edward Barker, No. 10922, 6th Battalion, 2036W South Lancashire Regiment, C Company, was reported missing as long ago as 10th July, 1915; whether, seeing that nothing has since been heard of him, permission will be given to his parents to assume his death; and whether in cases like this arrangements can be made for refundments of insurance premiums or compensation given for same, as an insurance company only pays up to the date of assumed death?
§ Mr. ROBERT YOUNGhad a question in similar terms upon the Paper.
Captain GUESTThe record office concerned has been notified that death has been presumed in this case, and the parents will be informed accordingly by the record office shortly. I understand that the insurance companies return any premiums paid in respect of the period subsequent to the date on which death is ultimately presumed to have taken place, and probably tiny would suspend payments of premium if informed by the parents that a man is missing.