§ Sir MONTAGUE BARLOWasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the long delay in forwarding to discharged soldiers the Post Office savings bank book with regard to their war gratuities, after the men have already been notified by the regimental paymasters that the money has been forwarded to the Controller of the Post Office Savings Bank; and what is the reason for the delay?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe war gratuity books are being dispatched up to time in accordance with the lists furnished by regimental pay offices; but I am aware that in some cases incorrect or insufficient particulars furnished on the lists have caused delay in the delivery of the books to the owners. Steps are being taken with the co-operation of the War Office, to remedy this defect; and in the meantime any complaint of delay is specially investigated.