Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre):

The information, so far as it js indicated in the terms of the will, will be communicated. But there might be cases where the information is not given. My instructions from the officials are to the effect that persons who have been designated in the terms of the estate must make application.

Mr. BENCE:

In connection with that point, in view of the fact that each department has its record of deceased service men, the person designated in the will should be advised of the fact of entitlement to war service gratuities. I say that because I believe *there are a great many, even under the legislation as it stood before the passing of the order in council, who were not aware of the fact that they were entitled to war service 32283-41J

gratuities in respect of a husband or son who had been killed. I am hopeful that each branch of the service will communicate with such persons and advise them that they are in a position to make application, or that the department will turn their cases over to the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre):

That very point has already arisen in connection with the payment of gratuities, where allowable, under the legislation of last year. In some cases applications were not made. But I know the army paymaster took very strong action. Where he thought there was a good claim he notified the people concerned' directly.

Then it was pointed out by the hon. member for Vancouver South that there might be some cases where those entitled to benefits might not wish to apply for or accept them. I was trying to emphasize that you must have a combination of notification to entitlement by the department concerned, and also give an opportunity to those who do not wish to avail themselves of the benefits to refuse such benefits if they so desire.

Mr. BENCE:

I am surprised to hear the minister say that, because in a number of cases with which I came in contact no notification had been given, and they had no idea they were entitled.

Mr. MACKENZIE (Vancouver Centre):

That was corrected later on. [DOT]

Mr. BENCE:

I understand notice will go>

out now as a matter of course.

Mr. GRAYDON:

Would the parliamentary assistant give the committee some information respecting the policy of the department in connection with the provision of quarters for those in army personnel who are married? Would he indicate where such quarters have been given, and at what cost has the provision of quarters for married personnel in the army been carried out? I am anxious to have that information from the parliamentary assistant.

Mr. ABBOTT:

I shall be glad to have that information on Monday.

Mr. EDWARDS:

I should like to make

some extended remarks respecting the health and welfare of our fighting forces, and particularly in regard to the establishment of a pharmaceutical corps. However, I could not complete what I have to say in four minutes, and I would therefore ask that we call it eleven o'clock.

War Appropriation-The Army

The CHAIRMAN:

The hon. member for Parkdale wished to ask a question.

Mr. BRUCE:

I just wished to correct a statement made by the parliamentary assistant, possibly because of a lack of medical knowledge. He stated yesterday that the casualties have been fewer because of improved treatment, and improvement in medical services. I agree that the treatment has been excellent in this war. and that there has been a great improvement over what we had in the last war, because of new drugs, such as the sulfa drugs, penicillin, and dried blood. Casualty clearing stations have been carried up close to the front line. All this has resulted in earlier and better treatment. They have not diminished the casualties, but many lives have been saved.

Mr. ABBOTT:

What I really said was-and I believe Hansard will bear me out-that deaths following wounds are very much fewer than they were in the last war.

Mr. BRUCE:

There is no question about that.

Progress reported.