§ Mr. ASHLEY(by Private Notice) asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is now in a position to say what arrangements have been made for continuing the pay of soldiers invalided out of the Army between the date of their discharge and the date on which their pensions are fixed?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am advised that it is impossible to continue Army pay to soldiers after discharge from the Army without fresh legislation, but, as I indicated in the Debate on the 14th March, it has been decided that a special allowance pending the settlement of pension shall be made.
29 The allowance will consist of a payment of 10s. a week to men in respect of whom no separation allowance is payable, and 20s. a week in other cases.
One pound of the gratuity due on discharge will be paid to the man when he leaves instead of on settlement of his account. I hope that other arrangements which have been made will obviate the delay in fixing the pensions which has recently occurred.
§ Sir E. CARSONWould it be possible to insert a Clause in the new Military Service Bill dealing with this question?
§ Mr. FORSTERI will not say whether that would be possible or not. I think my right hon. Friend, if he would look closely into the question, will find that this is the simplest and quickest way of dealing with the matter.