§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that soldiers' gratuity books have been lost in the course of transit; if he is aware that an ex-soldier received notification that his savings bank book awaited him at Thrapston, Northamptonshire, about 20th March, 1057W which unfortunately has not yet arrived; that the Comptroller was written to on three occasions with reference to it and no acknowledgment has been made; and if he will take immediate steps to remove the hardship thus accruing and give this man an opportunity to secure his dues for services rendered to his country?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHAbout 2,750,000 gratuity books have been sent out by the Post Office Savings Bank, and I am aware that books have occasionally gone astray. If the case to which the hon. Member refers is that of an ex-soldier named Westley, arrangements have been made for the payment of his gratuity without production of the book. If the hon. Member refers to any other case, perhaps he will be good enough to let me have further particulars