§ Captain RANKINasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that repeated applications have been made without result to the Fixed Centre Disbursing Officer, Division 2, Poona, for the last pay certificate of Sergeant H. L. Bates, late No. 890026, Royal Field Artillery, Territorial Force, without which the bounty with interest, due to this man on re-engagement after completion of five years' service in 1916, cannot be paid; and whether he will state what reason, at this date, exists for the procrastination which still characterises the work of the Poona office?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe Fixed Centre Disbursing Officer, Poona, was specially requested by cable on 10th instant to expedite the despatch of the last pay certificate of 890026 Sergeant H. L. Bates, which had previously been applied for by letter. The balance of bounty with interest due under Army Order 209 of 1916, amounting to £11 15s., has been credited to the soldier's account by the Regimental Paymaster, but this has been reserved pending the receipt from India of the last pay certificate, as it may possibly disclose a debtor balance.