§ 11. Colonel Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for War why he has instructed the Paymaster-General that, except under such exceptional circumstances as may be approved by the Army Council, no claim shall be admitted for pay, pension, etc., granted by Royal Warrant relating to any period more than 12 months antecedent to the date of claim.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe provision referred to has been included in the Royal Warrants governing the pay and pensions of the Army since at least 1866 and probably much earlier. The reason for it is that control must be exercised over the payment of belated claims in which the relevant facts may be difficult to establish. There is, however, also a standing instruction that claims dating back more than 12 months must be referred to my Department for consideration. If there is a reasonable explanation of the omission to claim earlier the payment is allowed despite the delay.