HC Deb 20 November 1917 vol 99 cc991-2
18. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the increase of one penny per day for service applies to every unit of the Army; and, if not, what are the exceptions?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I think the hon. Member will agree with me that we had better await the issue of the final orders on this subject.

Mr. HOGGE

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that the Government promised this increase of pay to these men as from the 1st October of this year and that this is now the 20th November, but not a single man in the British Army or British Navy has received this increase? When do the War Office propose to give this increase to the men?

Mr. FORSTER

As I have already explained previously to the hon. Member, the matter is being reconsidered by the Cabinet, and until the Cabinet announce their final decision I do not think it is desirable to go into the details raised in this question. With regard to the question of the pay dating back to the 1st October, I have already assured the House that that will be the case.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer said, in reply to me only three or four days ago, that the amount payable as from the 1st October was being paid in addition to the fact that the Cabinet were considering a further increase, and why is it he does not know what the Leader of the House knows?

Mr. FORSTER

I think the Leader of the House gave that answer in reply to a supplementary question.

Mr. GILBERT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that after the announcement of this promised increase to the man's wife and family, in many cases the families have spent their money on that promise but that neither the man nor the wife has received the money?

Mr. FORSTER

I am sorry for the delay, but either the man or the wife will receive the money as from the 1st October.

Mr. HOGGE

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean to suggest that the Leader of the House did not know what he was talking about in his reply to me?