HC Deb 11 November 1919 vol 121 cc253-4W
MR. WATERSON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the gratuities due to the relatives of deceased soldiers who fell in 1917 are now being paid; and, if not, can he state the approximate dates they are now dealing with?

Mr. FORSTER

The gratuities due to the relatives of soldiers who died in 1917 are now being paid. The greater number of issues are in respect of those who died during the third quarter of 1917, but a start has been made with the cases of those who died in the fourth quarter.

Mr. TOOTILL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, hiving regard to the amount of gratuity which is being paid under Article 497 of the Pay Warrant to officers who are Civil servants, he will re- consider his decision that the rank and file may not be paid the war gratuity on discharge?

Mr. FORSTER

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am unable to trace any general decision to the effect stated. Perhaps my hon. Friend will indicate his point more precisely.

Mr. TOOTILL

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, despite the instructions contained in paragraph 5 of the Treasury Letter, 7,017/19, dated 5th March, 1919, the Postmaster-General is endeavouring to compel Civil servants who served in the Royal Enginers to refund the War gratuity which has been paid to them because they were not in receipt of full civil emoluments; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction and unrest among the demobilised men who have been deprived of or who are being called upon to refund this war gratuity; and whether, having regard to the Standing Army practice in respect of over-payments of less than £50, he will issue instructions that the men who have received the gratuity, and who have in most cases spent it on civil clothing on demobilisation, are not to be pressed for repayment?

Mr. FORSTER

I Have been asked to reply to this question. No representations on this point have reached the War Office, the matter of the recovery being one with which the paymaster would in the first instance deal direct with the Post Office. If my hon. Friend has reason to think that the operation of the ordinary rules of the Service relating to over-payments is leading to hardship in any individual case, and will furnish me with full details, I will inquire into it.