§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War, what is the amount of the outfit allowances paid to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who obtain commissions?
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§ Captain MargessonThe outfit allowance for Auxiliary Territorial Service officers has recently been increased from £30 to £40. The new rate applies to all officers commissioned on or after 1st July, 1941.
§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War the amount of annual leave given to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service?
§ Captain MargessonLeave in the Auxiliary Territorial Service is arranged on the same percentage basis as in the Army, which normally works out at four periods of seven days' leave and four periods of leave on short pass in the. year. In cases where members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service have husbands or sons serving in the Forces, arrangements are made for them to be on leave at the same time.
§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War, why there is a delay of three months in the payment due for outfit allowance to members of the Auxiliary Territorial Service who obtain commissions; and will he take steps to ensure that the amount authorised shall be paid in time for advantage to be taken of any discount for cash payment that may be allowed by tailors?
§ Captain MargessonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to previous arrangements by which outfit allowance for Auxiliary Territorial Service officers was paid in two instalments, the first at the time of commissioning and the second on final acceptance after three months' probation. Under existing rules the whole of the grant is payable on commissioning.