§ 34. Mr. SNOWDENasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the recent increases of pay to soldiers have been granted to the men of the Non-Combatant Corps; if not, on what grounds have these men been refused the increase; and, in view of the fact that the men of this corps are a part of the Regular Army and are doing work which would in any circumstances have to be done by soldiers, why they are treated differently from other men in the matter of pay; and will the matter be immediately reconsidered?
§ Mr. FORSTERMen of the Non-Combatant Corps share with others the relief from the compulsory allotment towards separation allowance and the abolition of hospital stoppages. The question of extending to them the recent increase in pay was considered by the Cabinet and decided in the negative. They belong to a special corps exempted by the tribunals from combatant service, and they are not employed in the danger zone. Their liabilities are, therefore, strictly limited, and their pay conforms to their liability.
§ Mr. WINGIs the lion. Gentleman aware of the intense dissatisfaction of the men in the Infantry fighting forces at the great disparity of pay between them and the A.S.C. non-fighting force, and will he give some consideration to the men of making pay in both Services more equal?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think that the main object of bringing about the recent increase in pay was to bring the rate of pay of the men who are actually fighting more nearly to the level of those who are not.