§ Major YERBURGHasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Harry Burt, a stoker on the War Department vessel "Sir A. Alderson," went ashore from his ship at Chatham on the evening of 25th February, and was thereafter missing until the recent discovery of his body in Chatham harbour; that no communication whatsoever regarding Mr. Burt's disappearance was forwarded to his next-of-kin until on 3rd March, in view of information received in a private letter from a member of the crew, inquiries were initiated by his widow; and whether he will take steps to ensure that early notification is sent to the next-of-kin in similar cases in the future?
§ Major ATTLEEI am aware of the facts indicated in the question, but it does not seem desirable to lay down a hard-and-fast rule as to communication with the next-of-kin in such cases. Many cases of absence are due to some simple and natural cause, and the man returns to duty in a few days. More harm than good would often be done in such cases by a premature reference to the next-of-kin. In the case now in question a reasonable discretion appears to have been exercised, and Mrs. Burt was about to be informed when her telegram was received.
1144Wtheir time inside the dockyard, and what percentage outside?