§ 40. Mr. E. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office what gratuity it has been decided to allow to commissioned acting-paymasters in respect of their service; and why these officers are not graded with regard to gratuity in the same manner as other commissioned officers in His Majesty's forces of corresponding rank?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThese officers receive a gratuity under Army Order 437 of 1919, namely, one month's pay for each complete year of service. If the hon. Member will refer to the Army Order he will see that they are treated in the same manner as other classes of officers not remunerated at Pay Warrant rates.
§ Mr. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in spite of what he has said, considerable dissatisfaction exists among this class of officer, and will he be prepared to see a small deputation and allow them to state their own case to him?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI think it would be better in the first instance if the hon. member would convey to me the dissatisfaction that he says exists, and then I will have it considered.
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEIs it not a fact that the men have been pressing their case on the War Office for the last 18 months, and repeated applications have been made to the right hon. Gentleman and his predecessor to consider this case, which is quite anomalous in regard to the commissioned officer?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not aware of what took place before I took office; but there have been some applications.
§ Sir S. HOAREWill the right hon. Gentleman receive a small deputation on the subject?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI will give the matter consideration.