§ Mr. J. P. Morrisasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Second-Lieut. F. H. Danger, notwithstanding the fact that on joining the Army he was promised the rank of lieutenant and status and pay of a technical maintenance officer, has in fact only "been given the rank and pay of a second-lieutenant; that he has performed the duties of a technical maintenance officer in his unit with great satisfaction since the 28th May, 1940; that his commanding officer has on several occasions attempted to remedy his grievance but without success; and will he examine this case and, under the circumstances, implement the promise given with all arrears of back pay?
§ Captain MargessonI cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion that my Department has been guilty of a breach of faith in this case. This officer was informed in writing on 16th December, 1939, that he would be called up with the rank of second-lieutenant for employment on regimental duty, and he agreed in writing on 19th December to accept employment upon these conditions. The duties of a technical maintenance officer are in fact 1877W included in the normal duties of a regimental officer of the Royal Corps of Signals, and there is no reason why extra pay should be drawn in respect of them. It is a fact that in peace these duties were carried out by officers promoted after long service in the ranks, who drew pay at quartermaster's rates, but I cannot 1878W agree that these rates are appropriate for officers appointed to commissions since the outbreak of war from the Army Officers' Emergency Reserve. I am aware that one such officer has in fact been given these rates, but this was due to misunderstanding, and I am afraid that it cannot be regarded as a precedent.