§ Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of men who voluntarily enlisted in the Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport) as mechanical storekeepers at the pay of 6s. per day; whether he is aware that on the 11th March, 1918, the whole of the mechanical storekeepers were paraded before the officer commanding and informed that from the 10th February this year the pay had been reduced, namely, privates 2s. 7d., lance-corporals 3s. 2d., corporals 4s., and a flat rate—that is, no allotment paid and no war service pay; and whether this reduction in the pay of men who have voluntarily enlisted at previously stipulated rates will be reconsidered and the pay restored to former rates?
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§ Mr. FORSTERThese men were enlisted in error at an unauthorised rate of pay. No refund has been required of past over issues. Now that they are on ordinary rates they should, like any other soldier, be relieved of their compulsory allotments and should be eligible for war pay. As it would appear from the hon. Member s question that there is some doubt on this point, I am making inquiries.