HC Deb 14 January 1918 vol 101 cc21-2
30. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the decision of the Government on the increased pay of junior officers, and whether separation allowances are to be paid?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the hon. Member knows, the decision of the Government has already been announced.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why, according to the decision which appears in this morning's papers, separation allowance is to be given in the case of officers' children for males up to eighteen years of age and for female children up to twenty-one years of age, and for invalid children beyond those years, when the separation allowances for the children of private soldiers cease at fourteen years of age, and there is no provision for invalid children?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Mr. HOGGE

My question is down on the Paper. It has been answered by a statement issued in the Press this morning, which is a convenient form. Surely I ought to be entitled to raise this point arising out of the answer given?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member wants information on the point which he has mentioned, he must give notice.

Mr. HOGGE

I have given notice.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member's question does not directly affect the question which he now raises.

35. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give this House an early opportunity to discuss the question of pay and allowances to junior officers?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I hope that the House will be satisfied with the ordinary opportunities for any discussion of this question.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what opportunity for discussion can we have if the Prime Minister does not propose to give an opportunity?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The business which we have to do during the remainder of this Session is very considerable, and I think that it would be very difficult to afford an opportunity. I am sorry to say that there will not be a long interval between this and the next Session.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the pay of both officers and men is quite as important to them as the question of the workmen's pay is to the workmen, and will the right hon. Gentleman give at least the same consideration to those who are fighting as is shown to those who are not?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Surely the decision which has been announced shows that we do recognise the men who are fighting.