§ 7. Colonel YATEasked what are the conditions under which officers brought home from abroad are demobilised in this country; whether leave and allowances are granted to them in the same way as to the men; and, if not, will he alter the Regulations so as to prevent officers on arrival at home being turned adrift at a day's notice without any resources to live upon?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)Temporary officers brought home for demobilisation proceed on arriving in this country to their dispersal station, and are then demobilised with effect from the date of dispersal. My hon. and gallant Friend appears to have overlooked the not unsubstantial gratuities drawn by these officers on demobilisation under the Pay Warrant.
§ Colonel YATEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it takes six months for a man to get his gratuity, and many of these men have nothing to live upon until they get this money?
§ Mr. FORSTERI deny that it takes six -months to get a gratuity.
§ Colonel YATEHow many months does it take?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere may be exceptional cases, but my hon. and gallant Friend will give a totally misleading impression if he leads the House to believe that it takes six months to get a gratuity.