HC Deb 31 May 1938 vol 336 cc1812-3
29. Mr. Thorne

asked the Secretary of State for War how many industrial assurance companies and private firms, respectively, pay full wages or salaries to their employés who belong to the Territorial Army when called upon to attend their annual training camps, when these camps are held apart from their annual holidays; and whether the Government pay full pay under similar conditions to their employés?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

It is impossible to state the exact number of employers who with such commendable public spirit continue to pay their employés who belong to the Territorial Army while the latter are at annual camp, but the number is considerable. His Majesty's Government set a generous example in this respect by granting to civilian employés who attend annual camp leave with pay, over and above ordinary leave. For instance, 12 extra working days on full pay are allowed to those whose annual leave is 18 days or less, and six days to those whose annual leave is 24 days or more, provided that attendance is for the full fortnight of camp.

Mr. Thorne

Do I understand from that answer that, if any Territorials working in the various Government Departments are called up for annual training, they are paid full pay besides being paid for their annual holidays?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The position is as I have stated, and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will read my answer, which, I think, will cover what he has in mind.