§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in Class I. of the National Reserve who have re-enlisted on the first call for the new Army are being refused the £10 bounty which others in the same class of the National Reserve who have joined later on being called up are receiving, and whether he will take steps not to penalise those who re-enlisted without waiting to be called up?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe bounty of £10 for general Service (like the bounty of £5 for home Service) was intended for those National Reservists who registered their names in Classes I. and II. before mobilisation in order that they might be at the disposal of the military authorities when their services were required. It is only given to men so registered who are called up by proper authority as their services are required from time to time. As a concession, men so registered up to 10th August, inclusive, have been made eligible for the bounties. It does not appear, therefore, that any penalty is being placed upon those who sprang to arms at the earliest moment.
§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSDoes the right hon. Gentleman say that these men who were registered in Class I. of the National Reserve and who re-enlisted without waiting to be called up will also get the bounty?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am not quite sure about that.
§ Mr. WORTHINGTON EVANSWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries quickly, as it is causing great dissatisfaction?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes.
§ Sir JOHN DEWARIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great many of the men in Class III. of the National Reserve were, through no fault of their own, unaware that they might re-enlist, and will their ease be considered at the same time?
§ Mr. TENNANTI will consider that suggestion.