§ 19. Mr. Milneasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the method of payment in regard to members of Her Majesty's Forces who seek discharge by cash payment and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayYes, Sir. We consider the Service Regulations governing the payment of purchase money to be satisfactory.
§ Mr. MilneIs the hon. Gentleman aware thaththtthat people seeking discharge very often have to send in cash payments that people seeking discharge very often have to send in cash payments from overseas, which involves them in considerable difficulty? Would he consider having a central point in this country to which people could send their cash payments for discharge? This would relieve a great deal of hardship and inconvenience.
§ Mr. HayYes, Sir. I will look at this suggestion. The Royal Navy Regulations provide that the sum has to be paid to the supply officer of the ship. Army and Royal Air Force Regulations provide generally for payment to an officer, and usually to the accounting officer of the man's unit. if there is any way in which we can avoid difficulties of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member in his letter to me the other day I will certainly see whether we can do something.