HC Deb 31 May 1921 vol 142 cc808-9
13. Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers who, on being called up in the Army Reserve, merely registered without being given any military duty have been receiving pay of their rank since the Reserves were called up; whether this arrangement was only for a certain period or continues up to date; and whether he can give any idea of the expense involved by the failure to discriminate in pay between officers of the Reserve actually called up for work and those who were immediately allowed to return to civil life?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on 12th May last to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Portsmouth North. I regret that it is not possible to give an estimate of the amount of pay issued in such cases.

Major MOLSON

Are officers paid for full time if they are not doing full time?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

If my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the answer, I think he will see.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

How many men at present in camp are leading an absolutely idle life at the country's expense?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

That does not arise out of this question.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Apart from the answer given the other day, is it not a fact that a lot of men have received money for doing no work whatever? If necessary, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman alter the provisions of the Royal Warrant so as to secure that in any future emergency of this kind only those Reservists need be called up for whom work is available?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

For a short time it was so officers were receiving pay when they were not doing any work. The question of altering the Royal Warrant is under consideration in case any emergency should arise in future.

Mr. J. JONES

Apply the principle all round!