HC Deb 28 January 1947 vol 432 c760
39. Mr. Touche

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in most cases there is a delay of several months in paying ration allowances to officers granted local leave in Palestine; and whether he will take steps to ensure more prompt payment in the future.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

Officers granted local leave in Palestine are paid their ration allowance at the end of the month in which the Paymaster receives notification of the grant of leave, or the next month if the notification is received too late. In large commands abroad there is bound to be some delay in the transmission of documents, especially from isolated units; but to avoid hardship, officers in the Middle East on leave may draw advances of pay ahead of the normal dates of entitlement.

Mr. Touche

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this system is not working, because many officers who went on leave six months ago have not yet received their ration allowances?

Mr. Bellenger

I should be surprised if there were any large number. If there are any individual cases in which the hon. Member is interested perhaps he would be good enough to let me know.

Mr. Vane

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I left the Middle East in December, 1944, and received my leave allowance cheque about 10 days ago?

Mr. Bellenger

That may not be my fault, but I am glad to hear the hon. Member has received it.