21. Major Cazaletasked the Secretary of State for War whether there have been any new regulations which affect the pay or allowances of present or future officers, which will have the result of reducing existing rates, since 1st July of the present year?
§ Captain MargessonApart from the introduction of the new rates of allowances for married officers which were announced on 9th September, the only change in officers' pay or allowances since 1st July has been the decision dated 5th July to reduce the indemnity for rent liability from a maximum amount equal to 91 days' lodging allowance to one of a maximum of 30 days in order to bring the regulations on this subject into conformity with war-time conditions.
Major CazaletWill the recent changes and their full implications be clearly and simply explained to all officers by their commanding officers, so that there may be no misunderstanding?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir.
§ 33. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the letter from five privates in the troop-carrying company, Royal Army Service Corps, on the question of increased pay for soldiers and increased dependants' allowances; and what reply has he made 1:o this communication?
§ Captain MargessonI have been unable to trace the receipt of such a letter in my Department. If, as appears to be the case, the letter dealt with the question of increased pay and allowances for other ranks, I would ask my hon. Friend to await the White Paper on the improved arrangements for making provision for the families of His Majesty's Forces during the present war, which will be published to-day.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the fact that these soldiers sent me what they alleged was a copy of the letter they sent to the War Office, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman inquire whether it has arrived and make a reply?
§ Captain MargessonI have had careful search made, and we are unable to trace it.