asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an error in the payment order book issued to 10596154 Sergeant P. M. Bartlett, on his demobilisation in October, 1946, was brought to the attention of the Regimental Paymaster, Leeds, in that month and that, despite repeated representations, only a formal acknowledgment, dated 12th December, has been sent to this ex-Serviceman, and he has not received the balance of pay owing to him; what is the cause of this delay; and if he will expedite the payment.

The amounts contained in the release payments order book issued to this non-commissioned officer were correct, and all payments to which he was entitled were properly assessed and duly made. I regret, however, that the regimental paymaster failed to inform him to this effect in reply to his representations. A letter of explanation has now been sent to him.