Colonel BATHURSTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the establishment and rates of pay of Army schoolmasters; whether they have received any advance of pay during the War; and whether, in view of the fact that the work performed by Army schoolmasters would otherwise be undertaken by commissioned officers, the status of commissioned rank and pay could be granted to Army schoolmasters?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe total establishment of Army schoolmasters is 350. The rates of pay for qualified schoolmasters 2691W range from 4s. to 7s. a day. In addition, rations, accommodation, fuel and light, and clothing are provided in kind, or allowances are given in lieu. Schoolmasters at selected schools receive additional pay at 1s. a day. There are certain other posts for which special pay is provided, and Army schoolmasters are eligible for promotion to commissioned rank as inspectors of Army schools. They have benefited by the Government concessions of relief from compulsory allotment towards separation allowances and the grant of war pay promulgated in Army Order I of 1918. With regard to the last part of the question, the work referred to has not hitherto been performed by commissioned officers, and it is not proposed to make any change in this respect.