HC Deb 18 February 1919 vol 112 c732
21. Mr. CHARLES WHITE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is great anxiety amongst officers of the Territorial Force as to the terms of a recent Army Order, whereby gratuities are to be paid on substantive or temporary rank, and not on acting rank, and specially in view of the fact that in February, 1917, temporary rank in the Territorial Force was abolished, and that many Territorial officers have held acting rank in service abroad for long periods; and whether he will take steps to ensure that in the matter of gratuities officers of the Territorial Force are not placed at a disadvantage as compared with officers of the New Armies?

Captain GUEST

The special position of officers of the Territorial Force in this respect is not being lost sight of. As stated in the note to Army Order IV. of the 11th instant, the question is under consideration.

Major WOOD

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman consider also the advisability of paying gratuities to Regular officers on at least as generous a scale as that fixed for officers holding temporary commissions?

Captain GUEST

I will convey that suggestion to the Secretary of State.