§ Mr. NIELDasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the allowance made to Territorial sergeant instructors for lodgings when stationed outside the county of London amounts to only 1s. 3d. per diem, and includes the provision of at least two rooms as lodgings, hire of furniture, fuel, and light; whether he is aware that such sum is wholly insufficient for such non-commissioned officers compelled to obtain quarters in the urban areas surrounding the county of London, and that owing to high rents and rates of living in such areas these men are consequently compelled to make up the deficiency in their weekly expenses out of their pay, in order to maintain the position their status in the service demands, and which is necessary if they are to be of any use far recruiting purposes; and whether he will consider the advisability of assimilating future grants in the areas referred to to those made in the county of London?
§ Colonel SEELYThe rate mentioned is the combined rate for lodgings, fuel, and light for married colour-sergeants on the permanent staff of the Territorial Force outside London. This rate is considered adequate to provide lodgings for these non-commissioned officers on the scale recognised for non-commissioned officers of their class in the Army. It is not considered necessary to extend the grant of the extra 6d. per diem to non-commissioned officers stationed outside the London area.