§ 34. Captain DOUGLAS HALLasked the Home Secretary if men voluntarily leaving the prison service to join the Army, and then wounded or disabled whilst on active service, and returned to civil life in many instances are only able to get back into the prison service, if at all, as temporary officers, which means they have to do exactly the same duties as they did before and have to work longer hours than previously, in view of the fact that these temporary officers do not get paid for Saturday afternoons or Sundays when off duty like the permanent staff; and if he will take steps to improve the position of these disabled soldiers?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe places of all permanent officers who were recalled to the Colours or joined the Army with permission have been kept open for them, and, on their return to civil life, they resume their position as permanent officers if they are physically fit to do so. If permanently disabled for prison service, these cases are considered for civil pension. Men who are unfit for prison service cannot, of course, be employed as temporary officers.
§ Captain HALLIs it the policy of the Home Office to penalise men whose physical health has been ruined by serving in the Army by giving them less pay and advantages than men who have remained in the prison service and not volunteered?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat supplementary question was evidently prepared before my answer was heard. If the hon. Member will be good enough to read my answer he will see that it deals fully with the matter.