§ 92. Mr. G. ROBERTSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that No. 1 supernumerary company attached to the 4th (Territorial) Battalion Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry, and composed of members of the old Volunteer Force, the Territorial Force, the Militia, and the Regular Army, have been receiving proficiency pay at the rate of 3d. a day; that it has been notified that those who have only served in the old Volunteer Force are not entitled to this proficiency pay and must refund what they have received; that this notice affects about one-third of the company and is causing dissatisfaction, inasmuch as all the men of the company perform the same duties; and whether he will see that this distinction is not enforced?
Mr. BAKERProficiency pay is given not in respect of the duties performed by the soldier, but in respect of a certain period of service, and other qualifications. Ordinary service in the Volunteers (apart from war service) does not count for this purpose. It is not possible to abolish the distinction, but I will inquire into the necessity for enforcing refunds of pay already drawn.