§ 16. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in the case of men sent to hospital in this country suffering from sickness other than wounds, 7d. a day is deducted from their pay; that this amount has to be refunded on their return to duty; that the net result of this reduction in the case of a married man who, possibly before enlistment receiving good wages, is compelled by regulation to allow his wife 3s. 6d. a week towards her separation allowance is that, during the time he remains in hospital, he receives only 6d. a day, and is therefore 1d. in debt; and will he consider the advisability of doing away with this deduction so that these men while in hospital may have a little money to buy stamps, cigarettes, and other small comforts?
§ Mr. FORSTERA hospital stoppage of 7d. per day, or such less sum as the soldier's commanding officer may determine, is deducted when men are in hospital 1347 under circumstances which in the discretion of the commanding officer are held to justify the deduction. This discretion should prevent any case of real hardship in the circumstances mentioned.