HC Deb 12 March 1940 vol 358 cc983-4
25. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men volunteering for service as driver-instructors in the Royal Army Service Corps were promised pay at the rate of 3s. 3d. per day and have only received 2s. per day; and whether he will state the reasons for this?

Mr. Stanley

The rate of 3s. 3d. a day is that of a lance-corporal driver. I am informed that a number of Royal Automobile Club employés were specially enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps for duty as instructors and promised non commissioned officer rank, and, so far as is known, that promise has been fulfilled. Such men would, in accordance with the normal rule, be paid as privates until the higher rank had been held for 22 days, when the pay of the higher rank would be issued retrospectively.

Mr. Griffiths

If I send the cases to the right hon. Gentleman, will he look into them?

Mr. George Griffiths

Is it not the case that when these drivers are doing other work and are not driving, they are paid 2s. instead of 3s. 3d.?

Mr. Stanley

These men are enlisted as instructors, and as instructors they are given non-commissioned rank.