HC Deb 14 July 1915 vol 73 cc811-2
9. Mr. WATT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an order has recently been promulgated in the prisoners of war camp, Oldcastle, county Meath, re garding proficiency pay, the qualifications for such being two or more years' service in the Regular Army, Marines, Territorials, Militia, or Yeomanry; if so, will he say why previous service in the Royal Navy and in the Volunteers does not count but is entirely ignored; and will he have this altered so that all service in such bodies is put on an equality?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I have not seen the Oldcastle order referred to, but no doubt it embodies the existing regulations on the subject of proficiency pay. With regard to the other part of my hon. Friend's question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham on 5th July.

Mr. WATT

Are those whose previous service has been in the Royal Navy and the Volunteers excluded?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes. As I told the hon. Member for West Ham in the reply, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Member, the subject is under consideration.