HC Deb 05 June 1919 vol 116 cc2261-2W
Mr. STURROCK

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there are some 700,000 estates of deceased men to distribute; whether 90 per cent. are war gratuities to next-of-kin of sums under £35; whether estates under £25 are worth dividing up into small sums; and whether he will consider whether estates under £35 can be issued in full to widows and others on their signing a formal declaration by them that these estates would be administered on behalf of those legally entitled to share them, thereby preventing disappointment and hardship to those who have already suffered so much owing to the War?

Mr. FORSTER

There are some 700,000 war gratuities due to the representatives of deceased officers and men, most of whose estates have already been distributed without the gratuities, so that a second distribution has now to take place. Many of the gratuities are under £35, but I cannot name any percentage. These distributions have to be made in accordance with law, under the Regimental Debts Act. The discretionary power of issuing to one person for distribution is applied when the circumstances warrant it.

Mr. STURROCK

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the total amout of residue of soldiers' estates invested in the Orphans' Savings Bank of the War Office under Section 9 (1) of the Regimental Debts Act; whether this money is invested at 2½ per cent. compound interest; and whether, in the interests of the beneficiaries, he will consider the possibility of issuing the residues of soldiers' estates to the deceased men's mothers, widows, or other dependants in their entirety to be administered on behalf of those who are legally entitled to share these estates?

Mr. FORSTER

The total on 31st March, 1918, was £29,068. The books for 1918-19 are not yet made up. The question of investment at a higher rate than that correctly stated in the question is under consideration. The last part of the question was dealt with in the reply to the preceding question.

Mr. RAE

asked the Secretary of State for War when wound gratuity and arrears of pay due to Second-Lieutenant Henry Douglas Jobling, 92nd Regiment, D Battery, are. to be paid to his heirs and executors, seeing that he died of wounds on 22nd January, 1918, and probate of his will has been proved?

Mr. FORSTER

The matter is being investigated, and the result will be communicated to the hon. Member in due course.