HC Deb 06 May 1915 vol 71 cc1259-60
63. Sir WILLIAM BEALE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that the literal application of the regulations under which a National Reservist was promised a gratuity of £10 if he joined the Regular Army on mobilisation, and £5 if he joined the Territorial Forces, has caused disappointment and a sense of injustice in the case of National Reservists who, having joined the Territorial Forces and received the £5, have gone to the front and are now fighting alongside of the Regular Army; and if he can see his way to increase the £5 gratuity to £10 in such cases and, if necessary, to amend or supplement the regulations for the purpose?

Mr. BAKER

These gratuities have been paid in respect of a specific obligation, and I regret that the regulations cannot now be altered.