§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether, of the reservists emigrating since 1907 and allowed by the War Office to draw the extra pay while outside this country, 329 were given this privilege on proceeding to countries not under the British flag; and, if so, whether in view of the resolution 1570 passed unanimously at the Imperial Conference of 1907 pledging the Government to encourage British emigrants to proceed to British Colonies rather than to foreign countries, he will explain why these exceptions were made; and whether it is the intention of the Government to continue these exceptions, in face of the statement made by the President of the Local Government Board at the Imperial Conference of 1911?
§ Colonel SEELYAn Army reservist granted leave to visit a country not under the British flag does not receive reserve pay for the period of his residence in such country until he returns to a British Colony or to a station where there is a British Garrison. If absent for a period longer than twelve months he forfeits the reserve pay for the whole period of his absence.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly say is it not a fact that 329 of these men have received this privilege on proceeding to countries not under the British flag?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not sure that that statement contained in the question is accurate.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand that the President of the Local Government Board made inaccurate statements at the Imperial Conference?
§ Colonel SEELYNo; but I think that the right hon. Gentleman may have inadvertently put an inaccurate interpretation upon my right hon. Friend's statement.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWill the right hon. Gentleman take the first step possible to have that inaccuracy righted?
§ Colonel SEELYI do not admit that inaccuracy.
§ Colonel YATEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it has been found possible to make arrangements with the Post Office for the pay of Reservists to be paid weekly, in the same manner as old age pensions, instead of quarterly as at present?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Acland)The matter has been fully considered, and it is not thought desirable to adopt a system of weekly payments for Reservists.
§ Colonel YATEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the men very much like it, and if the money were given weekly would it not go to their wives and families, whereas with large sums such as £2 8s. 6d. paid quarterly to the men themselves the money may be drank on the way home?
§ Mr. ACLANDThe hon. and gallant Gentleman knows that an arrangement can be made in case any man is wasting the money or spending it unwisely to have the payments made weekly.