HC Deb 26 April 1883 vol 278 cc1152-3
SIR WILLIAM HART DYKE

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is a fact that the officers of the 1st Battalion Manchester 63rd, and the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders 72nd, having received six months' field allowance during service in Egypt, in common with officers of other Regiments, have since been called upon to refund the same; and, if so, whether any justification can be found for treating these Regiments specially summoned from India to serve in Egypt in a less generous manner than our English troops?

MR. J. K. CROSS

Sir, the officers referred to were not considered entitled to the advance of six months' field allowance because, up to the date of their landing in Egypt, they continued to receive those higher rates of Indian pay which include the provision of field equipment, to meet the cost of which the advance in question was made to officers proceeding on service from England. From the date of their landing in Egypt, however, they received the War Office daily rate of field allowance. The regimental authorities of the Sea-forth Highlanders drew the whole of the six months' advance, and have been called on to refund. The claim of the Manchester Regiment to the advance was disallowed. The India Office has now under immediate consideration the claims of the officers to the whole of the six months' advance.

SIR WILLIAM HART DYKE

said, the Question was based solely on the justice of the claims of these officers in comparison with the treatment of officers summoned from England. Could a positive assurance be given that these officers would not be placed in a disadvantageous position in a pecuniary sense as compared with the officers who went out from England? Unless he got a satisfactory answer, he should be obliged to bring the unfortunate matter before the House.

MR. J. K. CROSS

said, he had already stated that it was under consideration at the India Office; but the ceases named were scarcely parallel. Until the troops from India arrived at Suez they received higher rates of pay, which English officers did not enjoy until they arrived in Egypt. The cases were not parallel; but the matter would receive consideration.