§ 31. Mr. Sextonasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is according to Army Regulation that a soldier, serving in an area which entitles him to Colonial allowance of 4d. a day, has credited to him only 2d. for the day he is in hospital suffering from wounds received in action if he dies on that day?
§ Sir J. GriggNo reduction in the issue of Colonial allowance to a soldier is made on the day of his death. My hon. Friend is perhaps referring to the fact that Colonial allowance is normally abated by half while a soldier is in hospital. The reason for this is that this allowance is paid to compensate broadly for the lower purchasing power of the soldier's pay in the station abroad, as compared with this country, and a patient in hospital can spend little on himself.
§ Mr. SextonWill the right hon. Gentleman give urgent consideration to the abolition of this Regulation? Does not the complete sacrifice of the soldier stand out in sharp contrast to the niggardly, shabby treatment given him by the Government?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not accept the implication contained in the latter part of the question; but the matter is already under consideration.