HC Deb 16 April 1940 vol 359 cc771-2
12. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason motor transport drivers who joined the Supplementary Reserve prior to the outbreak of war as skilled tradesmen, and are now serving in France, are not being paid at the same rate as men in the Regular Army doing the same work, especially having regard to the fact that other skilled tradesmen in the Supplementary Reserve have been up-graded to the Regular Army rate?

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

This Army appointment, whether in the Regular Army or in the Supplementary Reserve, has not been graded as a tradesman's appointment since 1928. There is no distinction in pay as between Regular Army and Supplementary Reserve personnel, but any soldier who has served continuously since the relevant date retains the right to the rate of pay for which he was formerly eligible.