§ 21. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War whether any good conduct badges are issued to personnel in the Army after three years' qualifying service, with extra pay, similar to the system adopted in the Royal Air Force?
§ Sir J. GriggGood conduct badges may be awarded to soldiers under the rank of corporal, the qualifying period for the first badge being two years' service with the Colours. They carry no financial benefit. But private soldiers are in general eligible after three years' service for reclassification in Class IA and so for an extra 3d. a day on their pay. Soldiers 519 are also eligible for an extra 3d. a day for long service and good conduct after eight years' service and for a further 3d. a day after 13 years' service.
§ Mr. BellengerWill my right hon. Friend consider instituting a scheme in the Army similar to that in the R.A.F., as good conduct badges are not very much good unless there is extra pay?
§ Sir J. GriggThe R.A.F. system is different from the Army system. They have not two systems but one. The Army and R.A.F. systems are not quite the same in detail, but they amount to very much the same in the long run.