§ 41. Mr. RENDALLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that, on the eve of departure for France recently of the 2/6th King's Liverpool Territorial Regiment, the men's pay books were given out and with very few exceptions the men were marked down as owing various sums to the battalion; that some of the amounts reached £10 and over; that on the quartermaster-sergeant of one company being spoken to on the matter he admitted it was a mistake, but said these sums had to be put in the books and the men had to put their names to the amounts, but the matter was being inquired into; that the pay books state that these amounts will be debited to future pay; that many of the men so debited owe nothing; and will he have this matter fully inquired into and the men released from these deductions?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I am having inquiry made, and my hon. Friend will in due course be informed of the result.