§ Mr. ADAMSONasked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private James Templeton, No. 16842, Royal Scottish Fusiliers; whether he is aware that this man has been recommended for treatment at Glasgow; that the Coatbridge local pensions committee gave him a letter to obtain a season ticket to and from Glasgow; that he was informed he would have to deposit 5s. with the railway company; that Templeton was not in a position to deposit this amount, and consequently is not receiving the treatment ordered for him; and whether, especially in view of the fact that this is not an isolated case, he will have inquiries made into the matter without delay?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe actual cost of the season ticket is, in circumstances similar1468W to those stated, borne by the Ministry, but, as I am informed, the local committee concerned have deemed it necessary to instruct men whom they send for treatment to pay their own deposits as it will be to the man himself, and not to the committee, that the railway company will return the deposit when the ticket expires. Private Templeton's case has been dealt with in accordance with this rule. I am informed that considerable sums have been lost owing to men forgetting to return deposits paid for them by the local committees, but I am inquiring of the committee whether it would not be possible to pay the deposit and make arrangements for recovery, and so obviate the risk of hardship.