§ 15. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked whether the Army Council are now in a position to make a statement with regard to the gratuities which ought to have been granted to men of the National Reserve, Classes I. and II.; and when such gratuities will be paid?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. H. Baker)As the Noble Lord has already been informed, in the opinion of the Army Council adequate provision has already been made for all oases which appear to deserve exceptional treatment. If the Noble Lord will bring any such cases to my notice I will gladly see that they are considered.
§ 18. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that various units of the National Reserve have received the proficiency pay of 3d. a day for several months after enrolment; that this payment is now declared to have been made in error, and that in order to recover the amounts overpaid 3s. 8d. is now being deducted each week, and that as a result men are receiving only 1s. weekly; and whether, in view of the sacrifices made by these men in coming forward to serve, some reconsideration of these cases can be undertaken with a view to removing conditions felt to be humiliating as well as embarrassing?
§ Mr. BAKERIn cases of this kind when public money has been wrongly issued only a portion of the over-issue is being recovered. These recoveries are effected by a small weekly deduction. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the 254 cases he has in mind, steps will be taken to see that no undue hardship is caused.
§ Mr. KINGIf I send all the particulars of the cases, can I be assured that the men in the case will not suffer at all under any Army Order or under their officers?
§ Mr. BAKERI shall be glad if my hon. Friend will send all the particulars. I have explained the procedure, and I will certainly see that no undue hardship occurs.