§ Mr. CROOKSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the War 'Office whether, under a recent Army Order, the scale of separation allowances has been reduced; if so, whether he is aware that many men enlisted on the understanding that the then existing separation allowances would continue; and whether this matter will be reconsidered?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe Army Order referred to (No. 357, dated 28th August, 1920) abolished separation allowance and introduced a system of marriage allowance common to the three services. But, as will be seen by reference to the Army Order (a copy of which I am sending the right hon. Member), care has been taken to safeguard any legitimate vested rights to a continuation of the old allowances. I would point out that separation allowance was special to the War, and that when the rates of pay were increased in September, 1919, it was distinctly stated that the allowance was subject to consideration.