57. Captain TODDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the Territorial soldier's efficiency bounty is being taken into consideration when granting extended benefit to unemployed Territorials; and, as the result of this is that many men are deliberately failing to qualify for the bounty, so impairing the efficiency of the Territorial Army, will he take steps to alter this procedure?
§ Mr. COOPERI am afraid that the assessment of means for the purpose of transitional payment is not a matter in which the War Department can intervene.
Captain TODDCan the hon. Gentleman guide me as to what action I can take, seeing that the effect of this payment being considered is leading to very great damage to the Territorial Force?
§ Mr. COOPERI hope it is not leading to very great damage to the Territorial Force. The Department really concerned is the Ministry of Labour.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONWill the hon. Gentleman take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. COOPERNo steps can be taken except to communicate with the other Departments concerned and to weigh the military disadvantages against the advantages which the other Departments consider accrue from the present system.
Captain TODDMay we have an assurance from the hon. Gentleman that he will communicate with the Department himself?
§ Mr. COOPERI have done so.
Captain TODDIs my hon. Friend aware that in some companies as many as 80 per cent. of the members are unemployed?