§ 37. Colonel YATEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state why officers of the Indian Army appointed to command brigades or divisions in France have not been paid at Indian rates the same as in other theatres of war; and will he have the money deducted from the pay of those officers refunded?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think my hon. and gallant Friend is under some misappre- 161 hension. Indian Army officers appointed to the staff of British formations have no claim to draw Indian staff rates whether in France or elsewhere. They draw British rates with the option of the pay of their last Indian appointment if more advantageous.
§ Colonel YATEIf an officer in France is ordered to take command of a brigade, why should his pay be stopped?
§ Mr. FORSTERWhen the officer takes over an appointment in the British formation, he draws British rates of pay.
§ Colonel YATEWhat is the reason? He comes from India and is guaranteed Indian rates of pay; he is ordered to do certain duty, and he does it, and he is under his original guarantee.
§ Mr. FORSTERI would point out that in the last part of my answer I say that they have the option of the pay of their last Indian appointment if it is more advantageous to them.