HC Deb 07 May 1909 vol 4 cc1407-8W
Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

asked the Postmaster-General whether Irish postal officials will be granted equal facilities for attending military training as are accorded to English Territorials belonging to the Post Office—namely, special leave, with full civil pay for half the period in camp; or whether the military pay of members of the North and South Irish Horse during training will be made up to their Post Office salaries?

Mr. SYDNEY BUXTON

The North Irish Horse and the South Irish Horse are Special Reserve regiments, and do not form part of the Territorial Force. The members of these regiments are not, therefore, eligible for the grant of special camp leave under the conditions applicable to members of the Territorial Force. They have already been informed that, subject to the exigencies of Post Office service, special leave without civil pay will be granted to them to enable them to attend camp; that the question of granting leave under more favourable conditions is under consideration; and that if such conditions are subsequently authorised the necessary adjustment of pay will be made.