§ 2. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office on what basis and with reference to what standard of living the amount of Army reserve pay given to reservists is calculated?
§ Mr. COOPERThe present rates of reserve pay are designed to give to Sections B and D the same amount as in 1914 taking into consideration the change in the cost of living as shown in the Ministry of Labour index figures, and to retain the difference of 6d. between the pay of Section A and that of Sections B and D.
§ Mr. ATTLEEIs the hon. Member aware that public assistance committees are taking these sums into account, and that when the money is paid monthly it is being reduced in cases where there is an unemployed man in the house; and it entirely fails to assist the soldier to keep himself fit?
§ Mr. COOPERWe have been in communication with the Ministry of Labour in regard to taking this pay into consideration, and I understand that a satisfactory arrangement has been arrived at.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Ministry of Labour has been given cases—one case I have given myself—where they have taken one-half of the reserve pay?
§ Mr. COOPERThat is a question for the Ministry of Labour.