§ Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the widow of Sergeant N. A. Reed, No. 6969343, who was killed in Normandy on 28th June and whose effects were sent to England on 10th July, has not yet received these effects nor the balance of her husband's account; whether he will see that these effects, etc., are immediately remitted; and whether he can assure the House that this case is exceptional.
§ Sir J. GriggI am aware of the case referred to. The personal effects of the late soldier cannot be traced as having been received by the responsible authorities in the United Kingdom, but inquiries of the late soldier's regiment regarding their disposal are still being pursued. The balance of the late soldier's account was issued to the widow on 30th November, 1944. The issue was delayed for a reasonable period in case a further (and possibly varying) will came to hand in a paybook which might have been with the personal effects. I can assure the hon. Member that this case is exceptional.