§ Mr. STANTONasked the Secretary of State for War when the Government proposes to pay the soldiers and dependants the gratuity promised twelve months ago; is the aware that much discontent and unrest prevails owing to this; and will he take steps to accelerate this payment?
§ Mr. FORSTERInstructions were issued last week for the war gratuities to all soldiers now serving to be issued as early as possible. As regards those due to the representatives of deceased soldiers, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Holborn on 8thJuly last.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CAMPIONasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the injustice suffered by officers of the Territorial Force who were promoted to temporary rank prior to June, 1917, but who only receive gratuity on the basis of their permanent rank on demobilisation, whereas officers who have held acting rank for 182 days at any time during the War receive a gratuity on the basis of such acting rank (Army Order 117 of 1919); and whether he will take steps to remedy an injustice inflicted on officers who gave their services at the outbreak of war and before that date?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe whole subject of temporary and acting rank has been very fully considered, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate to me the particulars of the particular cases he has in view, I will look into them.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether temporary officers retained in the Armies of Occupation or elsewhere will receive their war gratuity prior to their release?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe gratuity is being issued to all temporary officers as soon after 4thAugust as is practicable.