HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1880-1
33. Mr. BENNETT-GOLDNEY

asked the Under-Secretary for War how many time-expired non-commissioned officers and men have left the Regular Army during the last twelve months; and what is the amount of the bonus offered to time-expired non-commissioned officers and men as an inducement for them to rejoin?

Mr. TENNANT

I do not think it would be desirable to make public these figures. A bounty of £15 is payable to Regular soldiers who agree to continue in the Service for the duration of the War instead of claiming their discharge on termination of engagement.

Mr. BENNETT- GOLDNEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of increasing the bounty so as to retain more of these valuable men?

Mr. TENNANT

The bounty has only just been created. It is pretty high, and I do not think it is possible to do as the hon. Member suggests.