52. Major - General Sir ROBERT HUTCHISONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the hardships to the soldiers of the Rhine Army, due to their being paid in marks instead of sterling, and in view of the difficulty of paying these men in sterling Treasury notes, he will instruct the War Office to pay these soldiers at their option in sterling vouchers of suitable amount, which can be used to pay for sterling purchases at the Army canteen, thereby avoiding loss to the soldiers, to the British Government, or to the canteen?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Baldwin)The hon. and gallant Member's scheme would involve considerable loss to the taxpayer. I think the power recently given to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to pay the troops and fix the official rates twice a week, whenever he considers it desirable, is amply sufficient to prevent hardships to the soldiers.
§ Sir R. HUTCHISONIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment of the House, on a suitable occasion.