17. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for War if he will give the names of the five field marshals in receipt of half-pay at the rate of £1,692 a year; and whether any of these officers are in receipt of additional remuneration from the State in respect of other employment?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe officers referred to in the first part of the question are:
As regards the second part, the answer is in the negative except that Lord Methuen receives £200 a year as a "reward for distinguished or meritorious service" in the office of Constable of the Tower of London.
- His Royal Highness, The Duke of Connaught.
- Lord Methuen.
- Earl Haig.
- Viscount Allenby, and Sir William Robertson.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that some of these gallant gentlemen received block grants of many thousands of pounds at the conclusion of the War?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSThose who did receive those grants deserved them very well.
Captain CROOKSHANKIs it not the fact that a field marshal is always considered to be on the active list, and that, as such, he is liable for military and other public duties at very short notice, generally at his own expense?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSCertainly, that is the fact.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs not the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that the generosity accorded to these high military officers is out of all proportion to the generosity accorded to private soldiers?