§ 30. Mr. Bowlesasked the Secretary of State for War why on 23rd February, 1945, every N.C.O. and private in a certain battalion which a fortnight earlier had removed from Clacton to Felixstowe had 2s. deducted from his pay for barrack-room damage at Clacton; and why this punishment was inflicted on men who had never been to Clacton owing to absence in hospital, etc.
§ Sir J. GriggI am grateful to the hon. Member for calling my attention to this case. The total amount in respect of barrack damages to be collected from the men of this unit under Section 138 of the Army Act was correctly assessed. Some of the men who were called upon to pay a share have, however, been found not to have been at Clacton at all during the period in question. The amounts are being refunded to them and their accounts are being adjusted.
§ Mr. BowlesWill they get interest on the money?
§ Sir J. GriggI think that the War Office, as well as the law, does not care about minima.