§ 82. Mr. KINGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware 1312 that the increased pay to soldiers was granted on the ground that increased cost of living rendered the increase necessary in the vital interests of wives, children, and dependants; and whether, in view of soldiers in the Non-Combatant Corps having the same family tics as other soldiers, he will state why the increase is not payable in their cases?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The increase was given, as I have previously explained, mainly to raise the pay of the fighting troops.
§ 83. Mr. KINGasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether proficiency pay has been paid to men entitled to it in the Non-Combatant Corps; and, if not, under what Order or Regulation is it withheld?
§ Mr. FORSTERMen of the Non-Combatant Corps are not entitled to proficiency pay.
§ 85. Mr. O'GRADYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that ninny of the soldiers at the front have not yet received the full amounts of the newly increased pay, and that in the circumstances of the War many men and officers arc not yet aware of the statement made in this House when the increased pay, allotments, and allowances to dependants were dealt with, will he state the reason for the delay in this matter and the steps to be taken, if any, to disseminate the information desired?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have been inquiring into this matter and have not succeeded in finding anything to corroborate the statement that many men and officers are not yet aware of the increase of pay, etc., granted to soldiers. An Army Order was published on the 4th December last and sent to every unit, and all commanding officers were enjoined by special order to give attention to it. They are fully aware that it is their duty to make it known to the men.