§ Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the position of men doing outpost duty in the National Defence Corps, whose weekly pay of 7s., after deducting allowance, is proving inadequate; and whether he will take into consideration that these men are proficient soldiers, having served in the last war, and many of whom gained honours, but that they are now receiving less pay than men with less service who are on full Army pay?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe hon. Member is under a misapprehension in suggesting that men of National Defence Companies2100W are less favourably treated than men of the Regular Army. Any personnel of the National Defence Companies who have previous Colour service will count such service for increments of pay given after one, two or three years' service, respectively, in the rank of private or equivalent rank. Educational proficiency pay also is admissible for any men who were qualified for this emolument on being called out for service. They will become eligible for war time proficiency pay on completion of six months' war service rendered after 3rd September, 1939 (as in the case of regular soldiers), which will be in replacement of any award of educational proficiency pay in issue. Special proficiency pay will be admissible for them after a total three years' Colour service, including previous Colour service, provided that they satisfy the conditions attaching to this emolument in time of war for Regular soldiers.