64. Lieut.-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Secretary of State for War under what 916 conditions officers and other ranks of the Army, when not travelling on duty, were allowed to purchase railway tickets at reduced rates; and what was the cost to the public of this privilege?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)Officers and other ranks of the Army, when not on duty, are at present allowed; subject to certain regulations, to travel in uniform at the single fare (pre-war rate) for the double journey or half the single fare (pre-war rate) for the single journey. There are no records available in the Department to show the cost to the public of this privilege. The question of future arrangements is under consideration.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSCan the right hon. Gentleman, say whether this is going on permanently? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the new rates of Army pay the position of officers is very much better, in many cases, than that of Civil servants, and can he assign any reason for giving preference to this one class of public servants?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe concluding words of my answer were that the matter is under consideration.