§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the War Office have refused to pay compensation to officers and other ranks for losses by fire of their personal equipment; and whether he will consider making an ex gratia payment to any fund organised to relieve the distress that has been caused by accidental fires?
§ Sir J. GriggCompensation from Army Funds for loss of an officer's military uniform and equipment and certain personal effects, as the result of accidental fire in barracks, military hutments, billets or camp is limited to cases in which it is shown that insurance could not be effected at reasonable rates and that there has been no negligence on the part of the owner. Officers have been advised to insure their kit, etc., against the ordinary risks of civil life such as fire and theft. The military clothing and necessaries of other ranks, lost in similar circumstances, is replaced free of charge, within the appropriate scale. Any additional belongings700W a soldier may have in his possession are kept at his own risk. As regards the second part of the Question, I see no reason to make any additional provision in aid of losses not covered by public funds or by insurance. Distress arising from losses caused by accidental fire is only one of many kinds of distress which may arise from misfortune.