§ 40. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for War the rates of pay issued to private soldiers, paid local corporals and paid corporals on demobilisation; what proportion of these rates is considered as ration allowance; and if he is satisfied that the amounts so paid are adequate to cover demobilised men's needs until such time as postal drafts arrive three to four weeks later.
§ Mr. BellengerThe advances are £10 in the case of corporals and £9 in the case of privates, representing about 21 days' pay and ration allowance. The ration allowance portion of this amount is £3 6s. 6d. Postal drafts to cover the remaining period of leave are issued within 21 days of release. The advance is roughly equivalent to the soldier's entitlement for the period up to the issue of the postal drafts, and I am satisfied that there is no ground for modifying the arrangements. A standard rate of advance is necessary to ensure the rapid despatch of the men through the dispersal centre.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the postal drafts arrive on time, because in many cases men are complaining that they are late?
§ Mr. BellengerIn the main, yes, Sir.