§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that No. 2754453, Thomas Hutchison, of the Black Watch, died of gunshot wounds in Palestine on 5th November last; that reports of the casualty appeared in the British Press on 6th November; and that no notification of the man's death was sent to his father till the afternoon of 8th November; and whether he will explain the delay in sending this notification?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe Press obtained the information of this casualty from the observation of their own agencies in Palestine. As soon as the official information w as received at the Perth Record Office it was communicated to the relatives. I1884W very much regret the unnecessary anxiety caused to the' family— It is the object of the War Office to give the promptest authenticated notification to those concerned, although it is not possible always to ensure that news will not first be communicated from another source.