§ MR. JOWETT (Bradford, W.)To ask the Secretary of State for War whether, Under the new system of proficiency pay, men serving in India who have re-engaged for twelve months, in consideration of receiving 6d. per day extra pay, are liable to lose 2½d. a day in the event of their being classed as second-class shots, although no such deduction was contemplated or agreed to at the time of signing on; and whether, in view of the fact that this deduction may be regarded as a breach of contract, he can amend the order regarding proficiency pay.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) Extension of service from seven to eight years with the colours, whether in India or at Home, gave men a right to service pay, subject to their remaining efficient, and to their attaining such a standard in musketry as may be prescribed by regulation. The Class I. standard has been raised, in the interests of efficiency, both for service pay and proficiency pay, from that of second-class shot to first-class shot, and presumably the Indian Government will apply this rule in India as it will be applied in this country from the date of the next classification in musketry. This is within the discretion of the Army Council and involves no breach of contract. On the contrary, no standard has been set up for second-class pay, and men who are only third-class shots can earn the Class II. rate of 4d. for their full term of eight years. The difference between the two rates is 2d. and not 2½d.