§ 24. Mr. CROOKSasked the Minister of Munitions whether, in connection with the Order of the 19th July, that storemen, assistant-storemen, and labourers in the ordnance factories, Woolwich Arsenal, who were in such employment previous to the 1st August, 1914, shall, upon joining the Colours, receive their civil pay while enlisted, he will consider the possibility of extending this to men who have given three and four years' service in the same capacity, but who were not so employed prior to the date named, in view of the efficient and intelligent service they have rendered?
§ Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)It would not be in accordance with Government policy to allow the continuance of civil pay to employés who had entered civil Government service after the outbreak of war on their being called up for military service. 901 To do so would be to place at a disadvantage soldiers who had joined the Army direct instead of obtaining civil employment.