§ 75. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Treasury, on the 11th August, 1914, issued a circular promising civil pay to Civil servants who joined His Majesty's Porces and that, in the earlier part of the Derby scheme, certain clerks in the Scriveners' Department of the principal Probate Registry, Mr. Cawse and Mr. Byng amongst others, were told that if they attested this circular would apply to them, but that the grant would be based on their average earnings for the time that they had been in the service; whether he is aware that, on the faith of that, these clerks attested; whether now the Treasury refuses to pay them on the ground that ' they were not called up any sooner than I they would have been if they had not I attested and gone under the Military Service Act; and, if so, whether he will explain why the Treasury has not kept the promise made to its servants?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The circular referred to does not apply to Mr. Oawse and Mr. Byng since they entered unestablished posts after the outbreak of war, and the information given to them was incorrect. As this incorrect information did not in fact result in their being called up earlier than they would have been in any case under the Military Service Act, they in fact suffered no actual injury through the mistake, and I do not think any special concession to them would be justified.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman really mean to say that his Department made a statement to two of its 479 clerks, on which statement they attested, and the right hon. Gentleman now comes down and refuses to carry out the promise?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODNo, Sir; they made inquiry as to their position and were told by a subordinate official that their position was so-and-so. As a matter of fact, they were not taken under that, but only at the same time that they would have been compelled to enlist under the Military Service Act. If they had suffered any real injury and been put in a worse position than they would have been but for information given them, although I could not assent to the proposition that the Treasury must be bound by every statement or advice given by subordinate officials, I should have thought it was a matter for inquiry, but, as a matter of fact, they have not suffered any injury, as their position is no worse.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIf that is the view of the right hon. Gentleman, I will call attention to this matter on the Adjournment.
§ Colonel YATEIs it a fact that Civil servants called up under the Military Service Act do not receive the full amount of their civil pay?
§ Mr. McKINNON WOODThat does not arise out of this question.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIt will arise on the Adjournment.