Major EDWARDSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to 1146W reconsider the rate of war gratuities payable to soldiers for war service; and, if so, when the result of this reconsideration may be expected?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part therefore does not arise.
§ Sir OWEN PHILIPPSasked the Financial Secretary to the War (Juice whether he is aware of the feeling of hardship which exists amongst officers of the Territorial Force in regard to the operation of Army Order 117 of 1919. under which Territorial Force officers who have held temporary rank higher than their substantive rank do not receive gratuity under Article 497 Pay Warrant in the higher rank, although they have performed the duties and drawn the pay of the higher rank during the period required by Army Order 117 of 1919, and would have been entitled to receive gratuity in respect of the higher rank under that Order had the rank held been acting instead of temporary; and whether any steps are in contemplation to extend the operation of Army Order 117 of 1919 so as to include Territorial officers who have held temporary rank?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is no discrimination against Territorial officers in this. matter, as the question suggests. The rules in Army Order 117 of 1919, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy, apply to them as to Regulars.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War whether it has yet been decided to award the war gratuity to officers employed by the Army Council on boarding and examination work in the Thames estuary during the War?
§ Mr. FORSTERI hope that a decision will be reached shortly.