§ Mr. BETTERTONasked the Undersecretary of State to the Air Ministry whether he will make inquiries with a view of ascertaining why the gratuity due to Leslie Smith, lieutenant, Royal Air Force, on demobilisation on 19th February, 1919, has not yet been paid; and whether he is aware that the delays in the payment of gratuities due to officers in the Air Force are causing widespread dissatisfaction and, in many cases, financial hardship?
§ Major-General SEELYI find that Mr. Leslie Smith's gratuity was paid yesterday, the 24th June. In this particular case delay undoubtedly occurred through a clerical oversight, which I regret. I am informed that this case is quite exceptional.