HC Deb 11 July 1944 vol 401 cc1554-5
13. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether entries on a man's regimental conduct sheet are expunged after a period; and whether, after a lapse of time with a clear sheet, a soldier is entitled to long service and good conduct pay without being penalised for earlier entries on his conduct sheet.

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir." In order to qualify for the initial award of long service and good conduct pay, a soldier must have completed at least eight years' reckonable service with the Colours and must have been clear of an adverse entry in his regimental conduct sheet for a period of two years immediately preceding the award. In the calculation of reckonable service a soldier incurs a penalty of three months in respect of every adverse entry in his regimental conduct sheet, that is, if he has one such entry he must complete eight years three months reckonable service in all. Similar conditions apply to the second award admissible after 13 years' service.

Mr. Bellenger

Is it not the case that a soldier, having committed a misdemeanour in the early days of his soldiering career and having paid the penalty for it, is followed throughout his military career by further penalties for the same offence?

Sir J. Grigg

No, Sir, I would not have said that. I would have said, that the period he has to serve for the award of a special good conduct pay is prolonged.

Mr. Bellenger

Would the right hon. Gentleman look at this again? Is it the fact, as he has stated, that for every misdemeanour committed early in his career, a man is penalised to the extent of losing three months' service in reckoning his good conduct pay?

Sir J. Grigg

That is the position. I will look into it, but, quite frankly, it does not seem to be at all unreasonable.

Sir H. Williams

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister that the same principles ought to be applied to Ministers of the Crown?