§ Colonel Sir HILDRED CARLILEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain G. C. H. Irving, 13th Rifle Brigade, lost the whole of his kit by theft whilst it was in the hands of the Army military forwarding office; that the kit was dispatched from the 37th Division Railhead on 2nd February, 1919, and that this officer has so far failed to obtain any compensation for the loss; and whether he will cause an inquiry to be made and a suitable amount to be sent to this officer?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware of the circumstances of this particular case. An officer is not entitled to compensation for loss of kit from Army funds, unless he requires to replace the kit for further military service. As Captain Irving has been demobilised, his claim has no doubt been refused on that ground.