HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1882-3
58. Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the present rate of pay for machine gunners?

Mr. FORSTER

Machine gunners receive pay of their rank according to the arm to which they belong. Machine gunnery is one of the qualifications for proficiency pay.

Mr. MILLAR

Having regard to the special course of training which these gunners have to undergo and the special efficiency required of them, is it not desirable to increase the pay?

59. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to enlarge the establishment of the Machine Gun Corps so as to secure promotion within the corps itself and to maintain it as a fully-equipped branch of the Service?

Mr. TENNANT

The Machine Gun Corps is a fully-equipped branch of the Service, and promotion takes place in it to fill the establishments laid down.

60. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Under-Secretary for War on what principle men are being selected for training as machine gunners; and what steps have been taken to secure suitable men from the various units for the Machine Gun Corps?

Mr. TENNANT

Men are selected for training as machine gunners on the basis of their fitness for the duties of that corps.

Mr. MILLAR

Has there been a certain amount of complaint that unsuitable men have been put forward for machine gunners?

Mr. TENNANT

I have heard nothing at all to that effect. Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me an illustration.

61. Mr. MILLAR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether provision has been made for the training of a sufficient number of machine gunners to enable the increased output of machine guns to be immediately utilised in the field as the new guns are from time to time delivered?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir.