HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1286-7
37. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if soldiers who are transferred to Class W for industrial work cease to receive Army pay from the date of transfer; and if their separation allowance is stopped from the same date, or if these payments are continued until the soldier has obtained industrial employment?

Mr. FORSTER

The formal transfer takes place one week after the actual transfer. Under this arrangement they receive Army pay and separation allowance for the week after actual transfer.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is often an interval between the time of discharge from the Army and the obtaining of civil employment? Seeing that the separation allowance has been stopped, and that during that time the men are entirely without means, could not something be done or some arrangement made by which the men are not formally discharged until they have secured civil employment?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid I cannot carry the matter quite as far as that. This is a new arrangement which has just been made. In effect it gives the men transferred to Class W Army pay and separation allowance for the week during which they are seeking civil employment.

Mr. SNOWDEN

That is to say they are given a week in which to get civil employment?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes.

Mr. HOGGE

Has the result of recent Regulations of the Army authorities been to reduce this class of men by any large number?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir; I am afraid I cannot give any figures.

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