HC Deb 13 July 1910 vol 19 cc371-2
Captain WARING

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason there is a difference in the total annual pay received by adjutants of Territorial units holding commissions in the Regular forces and adjutants of Territorial units holding commissions in the Territorial forces; and whether the total pay and allowances received by permanent staff sergeant-majors exceeds the total annual pay received by adjutants who are Territorial officers?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Mallet)

My hon. and gallant Friend is comparing the extra pay given to a Territorial officer who may be willing to perform the duties of adjutant of his unit with the emoluments of Regular officers and non-commissioned officers, which are necessarily based in the main on the conditions of service in the Regular Army. That is not to compare like with like.

Captain WARING

Are not the duties of the adjutant, whether he is a Territorial or a Regular officer, exactly the same?

Mr. MALLET

Yes, but the Territorial adjutant is, after all, something of an enthusiast, who is offering valuable public services, and we hope and believe that the Grant of £100 a year, which is not regular pay, is sufficient inducement for him to continue those services.

An HON. MEMBER

Is not the adjutant in the Regular force also an enthusiast?

Mr. MALLET

The adjutant in the Regular forces is also an enthusiast, but he has the advantage of being paid.

Captain WARING

Could the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving effect to the General Pensions Report on this subject?

Mr. MALLET

I would like to have time to consider that.