SUPPLY—REPORT. (Hansard, 4 August 1879)

§ COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
said, that this was the only chance he should have this Session of raising a certain point, which was the inequality of pay to some classes of soldiers. He moved to reduce the Vote for the Army Service Corps by £500. Last year he called attention to this matter. The non-commissioned officers in the corps of artificers received 4s. 6d., while the same grade in the artillery service only received 1s. 9d. He would not press this matter, if it were not a real and a gross injustice. He would be satisfied if the Secretary of State for War would give him an assurance that this injustice would have his consideration, for it was not only unjust, but unwise, because such things increased the difficulty of getting good non-commissioned officers.

§ COLONEL STANLEY
hoped the hon. and gallant Member would not press this matter to a Division, because it was impossible for him to enter into the reconsideration of the Vote on Report. The matter was undoubtedly of importance, and last year he had informed the hon. and gallant Member that the question of the re-adjustment of the pay of non-commissioned officers would receive the consideration of the War Office. A Committee was sitting on the subject, and it was impossible to take the matter up now.

§ COLONEL ARBUTHNOT
remarked, that he never had any intention of pressing his Amendment to a Division; but he would bring the matter again before the attention of his right hon. and gallant Friend in the shape of a Question. He begged to withdraw his Amendment.