§ 84. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the recent cuts in the pay of Army Reservists amount to a 262 reduction of 16⅔ per cent. Section A, and 25 per cent. Section B; and whether, having regard to the fact that the reduction of the pay of serving men is only 10 per cent., he will consider taking steps to equalise all reductions in pay?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)I would remind my hon. Friend that the pay of the serving soldier is his sole income, whereas the pay of the reservist is only a retaining fee for which he performs no service. The reduction in reserve pay is designed to give Section B the same amount as in 1914, taking into consideration the change in the cost of living, the difference in the pay of Sections A and B being retained at 6d. I regret I am unable to reconsider the matter.