asked the Minister for Defence whether he has received a claim for arrears of pay from Mr. John Whelan, late No. 12662, 22nd Battalion, and, if so, if he can state when that claim will be settled.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - ARMY ARREARS OF PAY.
Mr. Whelan's claim appears to be for the issue of the gratuity amounting to fourteen days' pay and allowances formerly granted to soldiers upon discharge. The order under which this issue was authorised ceased to be effective as from 1st October, 1924. Soldiers whose discharges were dated on or after that date are therefore ineligible for the allowance. Mr. Whelan's period of engagement expired on the 24th September, 1924, but on several occasions he made application to have his services extended. Every effort was made to facilitate him. He was, however, rejected on medical grounds and discharged from the Army on 4th November, 1924.
It is regretted that the date of discharge precludes the consideration of payment of the gratuity in question.