§ 18. Miss Eleanor Rathboneasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the expenditure necessarily incurred by commissioned officers for uniform, equipment and messing bills, and other charges incidental to their position is not on such a scale as to exceed the difference between their pay and that of non-commissioned officers, and so to deter otherwise suitable men from applying for commissions; and, if this obstacle to promotion according to merit does exist, are any steps being taken to overcome it?
§ Mr. SandysIt is difficult to make a comparison between the position of officers and non-commissioned officers, but, taking everything into account, I do not think the pay of the junior officer can be considered unreasonable.
§ Miss RathboneIs my hon. Friend aware that many commanding officers advise applicants for commissions that their acceptance of a commission may involve them in pecuniary sacrifice, and must not that necessarily be a deterrent to the seeking of commissions?
§ Mr. SandysI am as keen as the hon. Lady to see that the best possible use is made of the officer material in the Army.