HC Deb 18 March 1919 vol 113 cc1894-5
32. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the increased pay to the Army recently announced is actually being paid?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir.

Mr. HOGGE

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that the men are actually being paid the money in the ordinary way from 1st February; and is he aware that many complaints have been received that men have not yet actually received it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The scheme is in force. The money is being paid, but it may be that, in particular units or with regard to particular individuals, whether or not they are included in the Army of Occupation has not yet been settled, and in consequence there may be units in which payment has not been made. Every man retained under the compulsory scheme will get this pay from 1st February this year.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is this increase of pay being paid to the men who are qualified for demobilisation but who are not allowed to come home for some reason or other?

Mr. CHURCHILL

No, Sir. It is being paid to men who would be qualified for demobilisation if they were not in those special units which are being retained to facilitate the demobilisation of the rest. It is not being paid to men who are due for release to civil life, but who are not being released to civil life at present owing to the fact that transportation or other circumstances prevent their immediate release. They are waiting on the old rates of pay, but they have the certainty that they are going to be released as soon as possible. Those are the two classes.

Lord H. CAVEND1SH-BENTINCK

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction among these men that they are not being paid this extra rate of pay?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am aware of that. The numbers are not so very great at the present time. I think 500,000 would cover them.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

That is 500,000 discontented men.

Mr. CHURCHILL

We are doing our utmost to release these men as quickly as possible. If any have not been released by 1st May, they will draw these rates from 1st May.