§ 23. Sir W. PEARCEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in Pioneer Battalions at the front engaged for long periods on mining and similar important skilled work only receive pay at the rate of Is. 2d. per day, while men of Infantry regiments working with them carrying away earth, and also men in Engineer regiments when on exactly similar work, receive 2s. per day; if so, will he explain on what grounds the pioneers have been refused extra pay and required to work for 10d. per day less than any other members of His Majesty's Forces 999 when engaged on this skilled and dangerous work at the front; and will steps be taken to alter this state of affairs, which is keenly felt by the pioneers?
§ Mr. FORSTERMen in the Pioneer Battalions are employed on the work for which they were enlisted, and receive continuously the appropriate rate of pay. They do not receive the extra working pay granted to other soldiers for occasionally performing these duties.