HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc820-1
18. Captain Cunningham-Reid

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice on the arrest of a Regular regimental officer to suspend the issue to him of his pay pending his court-martial?

Captain Margesson

The pay warrant provides that, when a Regular regimental officer is under arrest, his pay shall be issued in arrear instead of monthly in advance. The normal practice in such cases is for pay to be issued monthly in arrear, but in cases of hardship issue may be made at more frequent intervals.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

Is it not rather unfair that in certain circumstances these funds that may be urgently required by an officer for his defence are withheld until he has proved himself not guilty?

Captain Margesson

I think that it works out fairly, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows.