§ 48. Mr. H. A. Priceasked the Minister of Defence why he has decided that proportionately increased bounties shall not be paid to officers and men who have completed short-term engagements in the Forces and are being retained beyond the period for which they enlisted.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe gratuities in question were related to engagements for fixed periods and the normal rule is that no further gratuity is given for additional service. The rates of gratuity are substantial, and I am satisfied that no departure from the normal rule is justified.
§ Mr. PriceIs the Minister aware that that decision has the effect, in the case of men who have completed four years' service, of reducing the financial reward by £25 per year for service which becomes compulsory as opposed to voluntary? Does the Minister regard that as being just?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have said that the bounty already in existence is regarded as adequate.