§ 23. Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the promised reconsideration of the proposal to reduce the pay and allowances of storekeepers who enlisted voluntarily in the Mechanical Transport Service of the Army Service Corps in France has been effected or whether a mistake in regard to instructions has been made at the 3rd Echelon base in France; and whether the pay of 6s. per day, which was agreed upon enlistment, will in future be made to these men and arrears rectified as regards any deductions that have already been made?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe matter is still under consideration.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman remember that this question 411 was raised about a couple of months ago, and does he not consider that an alleged breach of faith justifies a more rapid decision in the matter?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe decision does not rest solely with the War Office.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYWill my right hon. Friend state the cause of the delay?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think my hon. Friend will know perfectly well that in these matters, involving finance, the Department is not free to act as they would wish to do.