§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with a Territorial gunner who was killed by an anti-aircraft gun at the White City display; whether the man was married; and what amount of compensation will be paid?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaAs regards the circumstances of the most regrettable accident which resulted in the death of Gunner J. F. Watkiss, there is nothing I can usefully add at present to the information which was communicated to the Press at the time by my Department, and that which has since been published in connection with the inquest which was held on 21st November when a verdict of "accidental death" was returned, except that a court of inquiry has been held the report of which has not yet reached me. Gunner Watkiss was married and left a widow and two children. Subject to verification of particulars, an award of pension will be made under the provisions of the pay warrant, at the rate of 17s. 6d. a week for the widow, and 5s. a week for each of the two children until they reach the age of 16.