§ 28. Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in the Army Pay Corps classified under Category C have been asked to elect either to accept a reduction in pay from 4s. to 1s. 8d. per day or to be discharged; can he state how many men have elected to be discharged; and whether these men will be notified as early as possible as to the date of their discharge in order that they may make arrangements for return to civil life?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe 4s. rate of pay was given to men of the Army Pay Corps who on enlistment were fit for general service. Those in receipt of this special rate who become unfit for service abroad are given the option of being transferred to the Reserve or of accepting ordinary rates of pay. This is in accordance with the general arrangement under which all men who have been enlisted at special rates of pay and who are found unfit for service abroad are being dealt with. The actual number of men who have elected to be so transferred cannot yet be stated. They will not be retained longer than is necessary in the public interest and until released they will continue to draw their special rate of pay. They cannot be released until efficient trained substitutes are forthcoming, and they will be told of the date of their realease as soon as it can be determined in each case.