§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Secretary of State for War why military masseuses are not to receive gratuities?
§ Mr. FORSTERWar gratuities, broadly speaking, are given to commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers, and are not given to the very large numbers of Civilians, men and women, who in various ways worked for the Army during the War. An exception to this rule is made in the case of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service and other staff performing similar duties, for special reasons, and in accordance with precedent; but after very full consideration, I am riot prepared to extend this exception.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a gratuity can be given to the masseuses who served during the War, seeing they are the only members of the medical and nursing staff who have received no gratuity; and, if not, why the masseuses should be treated on a different basis to other members of the nursing staff?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would refer my hon. and learned Friend to my reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil.