§ 11. Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that band boys in Ayr Barracks received 6d. per day increase on 1st September and have now been informed that this increase should not have been made in view of the fact that they ought not to smoke; that the increase has now been withdrawn and intimation made that the boys have to refund payments made since 1st September; and whether he will undertake to have the matter reviewed and allow the boys to retain the increase in pay?
§ Mr. EdenI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. E. Smith) on 16th October last, of which I am sending him a copy. Where payment has been made in error, I am considering steps to arrange that recovery of the over-issue should be waived.
§ Mr. SloanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many soldiers who receive the extra 6d. a day do not smoke, and is it not unjust when a uniform rate is granted that these boys should not participate in it? Could not the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. EdenI do not think I could. This money was given for a specific purpose. I will see that where it has been given out by mistake they will not suffer for it.