HC Deb 25 February 1919 vol 112 cc1555-6
9. Mr. RENDALL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state to what financial benefit is a soldier who joined the Army in October, 1914, entitled on now taking his discharge; for what period of time is he entitled to out-of-work pay; and, if he stays on in the Army of Occupation but declines to sign on for a year, will he receive the enhanced rates of pay under the now scheme from the 1st February last?

Captain GUEST

A soldier who joined the Army in October, 1914, and is now demobilised, receives twenty-eight days'furlough with full Army pay and allowances, a suit of plain clothes or an allowance of 52s. 6d. in lieu, and a war gratuity of £25 or £15, according as he has, or has not, given service overseas, with higher rates for non-commissioned officers. Out-of-work donation is payable during the year following his demobilisation for a maximum of twenty-six weeks. If he does not re-engage voluntarily for a further period of service in the Army, but is definitely retained for service in the Army of Occupation, he draws the bonus under the new scheme as from the 1st February.

Mr. RENDALL

Is the gratuity which is given on a man's leaving the Army reduced in the case of his having received certain moneys from the Post Office during his period of service in the Army?

Captain GUEST

I should like to have notice of that.

14. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether gratuities for war service are to be based on acting rank providing the acting rank was held on active service for six or twelve months prior to the signing of the Armistice?

40. Lieutenant-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of granting the gratuity based on the acting rank held by an officer when an officer has held such acting rank, with pay and allowances, for a period of not less than six months?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)

As already stated, the whole question of acting rank as affecting gratuity, is under consideration.

Major ENTWISTLE

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the cause of the delay in this matter?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The cause of the delay, if delay can be alleged, is the great congestion and pressure of business,and the complexity of the problems which have to be settled.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the War Office are not following the practice of the Ministry of Pensions?

Sir EDWARD CARSON

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is causing a great deal of dissatisfaction?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir, and I have asked that the subject shall be reconsidered immediately by the financial authorities at the War Office.