§ 19. Mr. Liddallasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of officers and other ranks are now being released from the Army almost penniless; and what payment is to be made by way of gratuity.
§ Sir J. GriggAll officers and other ranks are given, on termination of service, a period of notice leave with full pay and allowances, except those who are specially released from the Army to take up civil employment or at their own request on compassionate grounds, and those who leave the Army because of unsatisfactory conduct. In present circumstances, it should not be difficult for them to find suitable employment within that period. As regards war gratuity I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Members for South Dorset (Viscount Hinchingbrooke) and Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) by the Prime Minister on 3rd October.
§ Mr. LiddallIn view of certain circumstances which have been brought to my notice, culminating in the suicide of an ex-Army officer because he was entirely without the means of rehabilitating himself, will my right hon. Friend reconsider the matter with a view to seeing whether something cannot be done?
§ Sir J. GriggI would very much like to investigate the particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Mr. LiddallI will send my right hon. Friend particulars of it.
§ Mr. StephenWill the Minister consider giving them eight weeks, as is the case on demobilisation? If not, why not?
§ Sir J. GriggI think, generally speaking, but not quite universally, they are 9 to get the eight weeks, but if the hon. Member will put down a question. I will make the position quite clear, including the qualifications for that general practice.