HC Deb 08 April 1919 vol 114 cc1872-3W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, although all other officers in the Army during the present War on appointment to higher acting rank or promotion to higher rank have received the pay of that rank from the date of their promotion, quartermasters have not been treated in this way and have had no increase of pay for higher services rendered until they have served five years; and, if so, in view of the fact that so many temporary quartermasters will be demobilised before they have completed their five years' service, will he arrange that in future quartermasters shall receive pay according to the rank in which they are serving?

Mr. FORSTER

Generally speaking, quartermaster's duties do not change from beginning to end of his service; and his pay therefore has always progressed with length of service, irrespective of his rank. But where specially valuable or distinguished services are rendered, recognition takes the form of increase of pay with or without a step or rank. In giving captain's rank automatically after three years' service, it was decided, after full consideration, not to alter the normal scale of pay. The whole question will come up for review in connection with the emoluments of the future Army.