§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what will be the whole sum of money received by the territorial infantry soldier under the modified Army scheme for every day in camp, and what will he receive in kind.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. HALDANE, Haddington)A private in the territorial infantry will receive in money for every day in camp pay at the rate of one shilling a day and the ordinary Government ration in kind. A messing and camp allowance of one shilling a day per man will be paid to the commanding officer to be expended by him in improving the messing and adding to the soldier's comfort. Non-commissioned officers will be similarly paid at the rates obtaining for their ranks in the Regular Forces, and will in addition receive separation allowances for their wives and families in accordance with the regular scale. The uniform necessary for all ranks will be provided at the public expense.
§ MR. ASHLEYAre we to understand that the messing allowance will be paid to the commanding officers and not to privates, and that all non-commissioned officers are to receive the separation allowance?
§ MR. HALDANEAccording to the regulations which obtain for Regulars provision is made for the separation allowance for noncommissioned officers. It will probably be found convenient 684 that the messing allowance should be handled by the commanding officer.
§ MR. ASHLEYAre we to understand then that the right hon. Gentleman has changed his plan and that all non-commissioned officers will receive the separation allowance?
§ MR. HALDANENo, Sir. No change has been made. A statement was made in the Financial Estimates providing for the separation allowance to non-commissioned officers.
§ SIR HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)Has the right hon. Gentleman not been able to reconsider the question of granting the separation allowance to married privates in the Territorial Force?
§ MR. HALDANEIt would be a very large grant and would enormously increase the cost of the Territorial Army.
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)The right hon. Gentleman says non-commissioned officers without exception will have the allowance, and the Estimate says half the non-commissioned officers. Will he correct the Estimate?
§ MR. HALDANEDoes the Estimate say half?
§ * SIR CHARLES DILKEHalf the non-commissioned officers and no privates. Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether before the financial Resolution, or the debate on the Report of the financial Resolution, or Clause 3, he will circulate an Estimate revised on the points on which he has made statements subsequent to the Estimates?
§ MR. HALDANEI will look into the matter. The Bill does not determine this matter. It is a matter of administration which must be decided by the House on the Vote for the Territorial Army.