HC Deb 08 May 1918 vol 105 cc2155-7
82. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Minister of National Service whether he has now made further inquiries as to clerks who were transferred from the War Office on the establishment of his Department and, although having to attend in civilian dress, are still receiving the Army rate of pay; and whether he can arrange that, in view of the cost of living, these men shall receive the market rate of pay for their work?

Mr. BECK

As I informed my hon. Friend, all soldier clerks in the employment of the Ministry of National Service who had been transferred to Class W Reserve are paid at the civilian rates authorised by the Treasury from the date of their transfers.

I have made the fullest inquiries into the whole position, and I find that there have been delays in obtaining the necessary authority for completing the transfers in certain cases.

The Ministry of National Service are still pressing for the settlement of these cases to be expedited, and we are endeavouring to obtain the necessary sanction to make up in all such cases the loss (if any) due to the delay in transfer to Class W Reserve.

83. Mr. EDMUND HARVEY

asked whether National Service Instruction No. 69, issued on the 6th April, is available to the general public; and whether a copy will be placed in the Library of the House?

Mr. BECK

Directions have been given for copies of National Service Instruction No. 69 to be placed in the Library of the House. As regards the general public, I understand that copies of this Instruction can be obtained from His Majesty's Stationery Office.

Mr. HARVEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that members of the general public have asked at the Stationery Office, and have been informed that they are not for sale?

Mr. BECK

That is wrong information. If there is a difficulty, I will inquire.

Sir F. HALL

Would it not be better to consult the Postmaster-General and see whether they could be obtained through the Post Office?

Mr. BECK

I am quite willing to do that; but if I consult my right hon. Friend he will tell me that the Post Office is already worked to death.

Sir F. HALL

Would it not be better instead of the hon. Member giving his own opinion, if he would inquire from the Postmaster-General himself?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should not inquire of the wrong Department, and then complain.