HC Deb 31 December 1912 vol 46 c187
8. Sir R. POLE-CAREW

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of giving captains and subalterns of the British Army travelling allowances at least equal to those enjoyed by divisional inspectors under the National Insurance Act?

Colonel SEELY

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to my reply to a question put to the Prime Minister on this subject by the hon. Gentleman the Member for the Eastbourne Division of Sussex on Tuesday, the 17th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

Sir R. POLE-CAREW

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that in answer to the question referred to he said that the Member who asked the question was not referring like to like? This question has nothing to do with that.

Colonel SEELY

In the answer that I gave I said that one could not make an accurate comparison between officers of the Army and these particular Civil servants, and I repeat that.

Sir R. POLE-CAREW

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to recommend that their allowances should be as good?

Colonel SEELY

No. I do not think we ought to regulate the pay or allowances of officers in the Army with reference to any particular class of Civil servants. I am fully aware of the importance of seeing that officers are properly paid, and I am now giving the matter my consideration.