HC Deb 31 October 1944 vol 404 cc608-9
17 and 18. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) what cash allowances are provided for members of the A.T.S. who are proceeding to India or S.E.A.C.; and whether, having regard to many unforeseen difficulties which may confront service personnel before reaching their destination, he is satisfied that the money is sufficient to cover every emergency;

(2) whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the allowances for the purchase of a proper supply of tropical kit by members of the women's services proceeding to India or S.E.A.C.; and will he consult with people who know the conditions of service with a view to providing adequate kit.

Sir J. Grigg

A.T.S. officers on being placed under orders to proceed to a station abroad may be granted on request an advance of pay amounting to one month's net pay. No allowances are admissible during the voyage, free subsistence being provided. I have no reason to suppose that this arrangement is inadequate in the case of officers proceeding to India or S.E.A.C. The only members of the A.T.S. concerned are a few officers who are on loan for instructional purposes with the Women's Auxiliary Corps (India). They are to receive a Tropical Outfit Allowance under Indian Regulations which, I understand, will amount to at least £15.

Miss Ward

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the Prime Minister said that the standard of welfare and comfort of the troops in India was to be on the highest possible level; and is he aware that the allowances do not permit serving women officers to buy sufficient tropical kit for comfort?

Sir J. Grigg

These are people who have been borrowed by India, and are getting an outfit under the Indian Regulations.

23. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether A.T.S. medical orderlies are eligible for trade rates of pay.

Sir J. Grigg

Trade rates of pay are given to personnel whose work is specially skilled or technical and it is not considered that the work done by an A.T.S. medical orderly qualifies for this addition. A.T.S. nursing orderlies, who in certain circumstances are interchangeable with R.A.M.C. nursing orderlies, naturally receive trade rates of pay.