§ Mr. CAVEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether, although acting-paymasters in the Army are performing the work ordinarily entrusted to commissioned officers, commissions are not granted to them; and whether the rule against granting such commissions can now be reconsidered?
§ Mr. FORSTERActing-paymasters are not given commissions in the Army Pay Department, unless they are required to proceed abroad for duty with the Expeditionary Force; but they are free to join combatant arms if they so desire and are found eligible. No doubt my right hon. and learned Friend will agree that it would be undesirable to grant commissions to acting-paymasters who are merely performing clerical work at home. I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of an alteration of our policy.