HC Deb 29 November 1917 vol 99 cc2219-20
63. Mr. JOWETT

asked the Prime Minister if he will define the exact meaning of the term " compulsory allotments," referred to in the Government statement relating to Army and Navy pay?

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

A Royal Warrant is about to be issued which will make the matter clear.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my right hon. Friend say in advance of this Royal Warrant, so as to make it quite clear, whether, in the ease of a voluntary allotment made, say, by an apprentice who joined voluntarily in the early stages of the War, and whose dependants had not got an allowance, that kind of allotment is to be carried by the Government towards an increase of his pay?

Mr. FORSTER

I think my hon. Friend had better wait until the Royal Warrant is issued. It will be published in a few days.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the right lion. Gentleman aware that we have now been waiting at least fifteen months on this specific question?

Mr. FORSTER

I think my hon. Friend may well wait three more days, seeing that the final decision of the Government was only announced at the beginning of this week.

Mr. HOGGE

Is he aware that brings us up to Sunday, and I have never known the Government to issue anything on Sunday?

Mr. KEATING

Have we any assurance that the point will be dealt with by the Government when we have waited?

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