§ 28. Mr. JOWETTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what rate of pay a gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery who volunteered for the present War and is now serving in Hong Kong is en titled to receive; if it is subject to deductions other than for separation allowance and National Insurance benefit; and, if so, whether he will give particulars of such deductions?
§ Mr. FORSTEROne shilling and two-pence halfpenny a day as pay and three-pence as messing allowance, in addition to free rations. He is subject to a stoppage for the cost of messing. The actual amount is not known.
§ 29. Mr. JOWETTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that soldiers serving in Hong Kong have in effect suffered a reduction of pay by reason of the fact that the dollar currency by means of which they are compelled to make their purchases in Hong Kong has appreciated considerably as compared with British money, by which latter their pay is presumably measured; and whether, having regard to the inadequacy of the pay which non-commissioned officers and men receive, he will see that they do not lose by reason of the rate of exchange between British money and the money circulating in Hong Kong?
§ Mr. FORSTERThis question has been carefully examined. It is not considered that the appreciation of the dollar is sufficient to call for any special action at present.