HC Deb 04 May 1908 vol 187 cc1648-9
MR. GRETTON (Rutland)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, if, for the purpose of promoting recruiting for the Territorial Forces, he will reconsider the advantages of paying a separation allowance to married privates in these forces during the annual encampment or in case of embodiment, as is already done in the case of non-commissioned officers.

MR. HALDANE

On embodiment all married privates will receive separation allowance. As regards camp, the grant to non-commissioned officers was made specially in order to give them special encouragement, and it is not proposed to extend this concession to the privates—a concession which would involve the State in an expenditure of £50,000 a year at the very least.

MR. GRETTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that difficulties in recruiting have arisen owing to the small pay for the married men?

MR. HALDANE

The arrangements are the same as for the Regular Army, and with the assistance provided by public bodies the difficulty can be overcome.