§ 21. Captain McEwenasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that soldiers who are billeted-out, and who volunteer for fire-watching in buildings where they are employed receive payment of is. per night-duty, and each duty entails the private purchase of two meals each, one at night and one in the morning, at their own expense, whereas civilians, in similar circumstances receive 4s. 6d.; and whether he contemplates issuing orders to prevent such additional duties with the costs entailed being undertaken in these circumstances by soldiers?
§ Captain MargessonI do not consider that the position of soldiers and civilians can be compared precisely in this respect, but I am looking into the facts.
§ Sir Joseph NallDoes any consultation take place with the Treasury, in view of the fact that the Home Office scale for Home Guards is 3s. and for Civil servants 4s. 6d., whereas the soldier gets only is.?
§ Captain MargessonAs I say, I am looking into the facts in this matter.