§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether he is aware that a number of sorting clerks and telegraphists of the Post Office in response to an invitation issued went to South Africa and were attached to the Army Post Office Corps, and were paid at the ordinary rate of private soldiers though understanding when in England that they would be placed upon an equality with the Telegraphists serving with the Royal Engineers; and, seeing that the Army Authorities in South Africa recommended that these men should receive the same pay as their colleagues in the Engineers, whether the concession can now be made.
LORD STANLEYThese men are Infantry men and not Engineers, and are therefore not entitled to Engineer pay. Moreover in view of the fact that they are drawing their full civil salaries in addition to their pay as soldiers their remuneration would appear adequate.
§ MR. THORNTONDo I understand that these representations are unfounded?