§ Colonel L. WILSONasked the President of the Local Government Board why grants made to officers by the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee are now liable to reduction because of the recent increases in pay to officers; whether he is aware that such action takes away from the married officer any improvement in his pecuniary position which the increase of pay intended he should have; and whether he will give a similar undertaking to that given in the case of non-commissioned officers and men that such grants shall not be affected by the increase of pay granted?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThe Civil Liabilities Committee are only empowered to grant assistance to officers in cases of serious hardship due to the officer's military service, and the grants made have always been subject to review in the event of any changes in the officer's financial circumstances. The Committee are anxious to deal sympathetically with all cases of hardship, but they cannot disregard the recent considerable increases in the emoluments of officers. These may amount to as much as £150 a year and. obviously, may affect very materially the question whether hardship arises in any particular case.