§ 34. Mr. WHITEasked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst men serving in His 1576 Majesty's Forces, and also amongst discharged men, in respect to the amounts debited or credited to them in respect of pay; and whether he will immediately give instructions that in future every soldier, whether on home or foreign service, shall be provided with a pay book in which the amount he receives as pay shall be entered by the regimental paymaster, or his representative, when the payment is made?
Captain GUESTThe complaints which reach the War Office regarding soldiers' accounts arecomparatively few, and I am not aware of any general dissatisfation amongst soldiers in the matter. If the hon. Member will furnish particulars of any such cases, I shall be glad to have them investigated. Pay books are in use for all soldiers serving inthe field. For other soldiers they are not necessary, as the man's account is balanced monthly and the balance notified to the company commander, from whom the man can always ascertain how he stands.
Sir F. HALLIs the same offer open to all, and will all cases receive consideration if they submit particulars?
§ 35. Mr. WHITEasked whether the promise to issue quarterly statements of accounts to all men in His Majesty's Forces is now in operation?
Captain GUESTThis suggestion, was carefully considered some time ago, and was found impracticable. I am not aware that any promise such as the question suggests was ever given.