§ 12. Major Stourtonasked the Secretary of State for War how many commissioned officers of His Majesty's Forces have been court-martialled since 3rd September, 1940, for obtaining or attempting to obtain money under false pretences or for fraudulent conversion of regimental or public funds to their own use?
§ Captain MargessonI am informed that since 3rd September, 1940, 72 commissioned officers in the three Fighting Services have been found guilty by court-martial on charges of obtaining or attempting to obtain money by false pretences or of fraudulent conversion or misapplication of regimental or public funds to their own use. In addition, 24 officers were tried and acquitted.
§ Major StourtonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that these lapses referred to in the Question are usually 439 caused by officers being underpaid, and can he state when it is proposed to remedy this legitimate grievance?
§ Captain MargessonI honestly do not think there is any justification for a statement like that.
§ Major StourtonIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, whereas since the war began the cost of living has risen by 40 per cent., officers' pay remains at the pre-war rate?
§ Mr. StephenIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that such courts-martial of non-commissioned officers and men are often due to the fact that they are much more grossly underpaid than commissioned officers?