§ 41. Mr. MOSLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain officers who were demobilised in January last have not yet received their gratuities; whether he can state the reasons for this delay; and whether interest on the money will be paid to compensate these officers for the loss of its use during this period?
§ Mr. FORSTERThese gratuities are issued by the Army agents who have experienced the greatest difficulty in securing sufficient trained staff to meet the sudden increase of work due to demobilisation. Special efforts are now being made to deal with arrears, and it is hoped that by the end of the month they will have been cleared. As regards payment of interest I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side.
§ 42. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that as the gratuity to officers of the New Army is based on daily pay, and as the pay of lieutenants was not raised until the 1st October, 1917, a conscripted officer receives a gratuity at a higher rate than one who joined voluntarily in the early days of the War and became non-effective before the date specified; and whether, under the circumstances, he will arrange that the gratuity shall be issued at a higher rate to all concerned?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe gratuity is based on the pay which the officer drew while in the Service. I will consider the point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend.