§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that by Army Order 43/1918 it is laid down that the pay for captains, lieutenants, and second-lieutenants shall not be less than 13s. 6d., 11s. 6d., and 10s. 6d. a day, respectively, such minimum rates to take into account any guards, armament, engineer, or corps pay to which the officer may be entitled, but that when the payment of gratuity is calculated at so many days' pay the Army Council will not permit in the case of officers in the receipt of guards, armament, engineer, or corps pay to count such pay for that purpose, with the result that an Infantry officer of the same service as one in receipt of such pay and of the same rank may receive £40 larger gratuity; and will he say if this was the intention of the Order named, or whether the Order was issued with a view of increasing the rates of pay but at the same time to level them throughout the Army?
§ Mr. FORSTERI think my hon. Friend will find that his fears are groundless. The officers in question receive the gratuity at Infantry rate when more advantageous than the rate of regimental pay of their own arm.