§ 50. Mr. BALDWINasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers of the Territorial Force have been called upon by the Army Pay Department to refund the camp kit allowance of 551 £7 10s. unless the payment of the allowance is supported by tradesmen's receipts; whether the Pay Department have refused to accept as sufficient the formal certificate of the regimental commanding officer that the officers concerned are in possession of suitable camp kits to the value of £7 10s.; and whether, in view of the fact that many of such officers are not now in a position to produce tradesmen's receipts, having purchased their camp kits for cash over the counter from some of the larger co-operative or wholesale stores, the Government can see their way to relax the restriction now in force?
Mr. BAKERCamp kit allowance (up to the regulated maximum) will always be paid on a certificate that the officer is in possession of the kit, and that he has paid for it a sum not less than the amount claimed. The regulated maximum allowance was formerly £5 15s., but was raised to £7 10s. in consequence of the rise in prices since the outbreak of war. I will take steps to ensure that this is understood by the Pay Department.