§ 69. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the recent decision of Mr. Justice Macleod in the Bombay High Court that an officer is entitled to receive his pay without deduction applies also to the private soldier; and, if so, whether contributions under the national Insurance Act can be compulsorily deducted from the pay of the private soldier?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. C. Roberts)I have seen a newspaper report of Mr. Justice Macleod's decision. So far as I am able to judge from the report, the decision does not appear to apply to private soldiers. With regard to the second part of the question, the Secretary of State is advised that contributions under Section 46 of the National Insurance Act can be compulsorily deducted from the pay of the private soldier in accordance with the terms of Section 136 of the Army Act.
§ Sir J. D. REESWill the hon. Gentleman state why a private soldier should not in equity be in the same position in this respect as an officer? Will the Under-Secretary of State consider that, although not now able to give a decision?
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSIt is specifically provided for in the Army Act, and that is the place where it should be dealt with.