§ Mr. RAPERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers of field rank called up at the commencement of the War from the Special Reserve of Officers, having previously served a number of years in the Regular Army, and being on temporary retired pay, would, after serving five years during the War, only receive a gratuity on demobilisation of £124, whereas a civilian obtaining a commission on the outbreak of the War and rising to the rank of major would receive £334 16s.; and why should officers be penalised for serving in the Regular Army prior to the War?
Captain GUESTThe officers referred to are, presumably, those who retired under Article 559 Royal Warrant. Such officers have drawn a gratuity of thirty-one days' pay for each year of service under Article 497 (a) Royal Warrant. The differentiation is due not to their having served in the Regular Army, but to their being in receipt of retired pay.