asked the Minister for Defence what provision was made for the maintenance of Private Hanley Hugh Cutchery (11th Battalion, No. 205432), who was discharged on 13th August, 1941, as medically unfit, which unfitness was contracted while on active service, and who died on September 30th, 1942; if the Minister is aware that this soldier had no means to defray his burial expenses, and that no provision was made by the Army for such expenses; and whether the Minister will see that in future adequate allowances will be made in such cases.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Discharged Soldier's Burial Expenses.
At the time Volunteer Cutchery was discharged from the Forces, there was no provision in the Army Pensions Acts under which a claim by him for compensation could be considered. As I have already mentioned, however, I hope shortly to introduce legislation to amend the Acts to cover the payment of allowances in cases of this nature.
In regard to the payment of funeral expenses, I regret that there is no provision in regulations under which such expenses can be paid from public funds in the case of ex-members of the Forces.