HC Deb 24 March 1904 vol 132 cc610-1
SIR CARNE RASCH () Essex, Chelmsford

To ask the Secretary of State for War why the gratuity which Major Silverthorne, Royal Garrison Battalion, elected to take in lieu of pension, while serving with the 4th Royal Garrison Regiment at Malta, was stopped during his absence on leave in England; on what ground is it ruled than an officer of Reserve serving abroad is only entitled to a gratuity of £50 per annum pro rata while on leave at home, as a Reserve officer [serving abroad receives a gratuity at the rate of £100.

(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.)Only actual service abroad entitles an officer to the higher grant of £100, and ordinary leave is held to form part of such service. This officer, however, was on leave at home for a period of five months prior to resignation, and therefore is only entitled to the lower gratuity of £50.