§ 27. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can say if officers in the Army Pay Department of military age are being retained there against their will; and, if so, will he take such steps as may be necessary to allow of their rejoining for the duration of the War with reinstatement in their present position after the War is over?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. H. W. Forster)In view of the very small number of trained 71 paymasters as compared with the great expansion of the Army and the important duties with which they are charged, these officers cannot be spared from service in their own Department. I may add that I am aware of the strong desire of these officers to return to fighting units, and I am very sorry that we cannot gratify their wish.
§ Mr. R. McNEILLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor in office recently, in answer to a question of mine, said that the reason why permission could not be granted to officers in the Pay Department was that it was desired to encourage their enlistment in the combatant ranks?
§ Mr. FORSTERI can only say that the whole question has been considered within the last few days, and I am sorry to have to make the announcement which I have made.