Captain COOTEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that no gratuity nor credits have been paid in respect of the late Private Cecil Wright, No. 241020, Norfolk Regiment; that the excuse given is that the father is still alive and the money cannot be paid to the mother; and that the former deserted his wife 18 years ago and has not been heard of since; and whether, as the father cannot be traced, the money will now be paid to the mother?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThere is no balance due on the pay account of the late Private Cecil Wright. A War gratuity of £10 10s. is due to his estate, and, as he left no will, is the property of the soldier's father, if alive. If the latter can be assumed to be dead and to have predeceased the soldier, payment will be made to the mother, and steps are being taken in this direction.