§ Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWasked the Secretary of State for War whether adjutants of the Territorial Force appointed before the 12th July last are now required to carry out the same duties as those appointed on or since that date; if so, whether they perform those duties in an efficient and satisfactory manner; if so, will he explain his refusal to give them the same rate of pay as has been granted to the others; and, if not, why steps are not taken to cause those who are not satisfactorily reported on to return to their regiments?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe hon. and gallant Member has already had full replies on this subject. As I have stated we desire to offer new inducements in order to attract the best class of officer, but this does not imply that the officers serving under the old conditions are not performing their duties in an efficient and satisfactory manner.
§ Mr. HARRY LAWSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the refusal to give the existing adjutants the same rate of pay will not be an implied reflection on their capacity which will be likely to militate against them in their careers?
§ Mr. HALDANEI do not think so at all.
§ Sir REGINALD POLE-CAREWIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of cases of adjutants or yeomanry officers being made to accept a lower rate of pay than that at which they were appointed, and not only that but being made to refund money already drawn, and does he think that that is a good mode of stimulating competition?
§ Mr. HALDANEI am not aware of every case.