§ 89. Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Kaffir privates to be employed as a labour force in France are to be paid 2s. per day; and, seeing that this is twice the sum receivable by British soldiers without dependants, will he take steps to raise the pay of the latter when in France to the rate of 5s. or 6s. a day paid to privates in the forces of the Overseas Dominions?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs I stated on the 7th instant, the Kaffir private will receive 8d. a day in cash, and 1s. 4d. a day reserved until discharged, less any payment allotted to his family. The wages of the Kaffir have to be fixed in competition with the South African market, to attract the necessary labour. I am happy to say that other considerations enter into the question of the British soldier's pay. I may remind the hon. Member that in addition to his pay, the British soldier has certain rights to separation allowance and pension.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I point out to the hon. Gentleman [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] that after the married British soldier has made an allotment—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is giving information, not asking for it.
§ Commander WEDGWOODIs it correct to describe these men as "Kaffirs" when they are half-caste Cape Boys?