HC Deb 24 May 1909 vol 5 c810
Mr. PHILIP FOSTER

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether the pay of colour-sergeants whilst serving with the Special Reserve is 6d. per diem less than whilst serving with their regular battalions, though the work is as great; and, if so, whether he would grant the same rate of pay with the Special Reserve as with the line battalions?

Mr. HALDANE

The duties of the colour-sergeants of the Special Reserve are not so onerous or so responsible as those of the colour-sergeants of the regular line battalions. It is not proposed to raise the pay of the Special Reserve colour-sergeants in the manner suggested.

Mr. PHILIP FOSTER

Is it not the fact that if a colour-sergeant, owing to some slight misdemeanour, is sent back to his regiment, he automatically gets an increase of pay?

Mr. HALDANE

It does not follow that he will be a colour-sergeant if he gets back.