Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the increase of payment to private soldiers brought into force on 29th September, 1917, was granted to members of the Non-Combatant Corps; whether it has recently been discontinued and orders issued that the amount already paid in excess of the previous pay must be refunded by the recipients; if so, whether this action is in accordance with the Regulations laying down the conditions of service in this corps; and whether steps will be taken to rectify the position?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs regards the general question of eligibility, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 16th instant to the lion. Member for Blackburn. With regard to the particular point now raised, it appears that certain members of the Non-Combatant Corps were, owing to a misapprehension, erroneously paid ac rates to which they were not entitled, and in accordance with the usual procedure in such cases the amount overpaid is being recovered by stoppages from current issues of pay.