HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1231-2W
Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why male civilian clerks in the Command Pay Office, London district, have not been granted a War bonus in accordance with the Army Council Instruction No. 1,901, of 1916, paragraph 3, in view of the fact that female clerks in the same office are in receipt of this grant?

Mr. FORSTER

Under paragraph 5 of the Instruction in question, in the case of clerks whose rates of pay have been specially fixed since the War began, the matter lies within the discretion of the local military authorities.

Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why, in view of paragraph 3, Army Council Instructions, No. 1,518, of 1916, acting paymasters and lady superintendents in the Command Pay Office, London District, were not granted three days' leave or extra pay in lieu of the King's birthday, 3rd June, Whit Monday, 12th June, and Monday, 7th August, 1916, holidays, seeing that if those days had been kept as holidays they would have been granted leave?

Mr. FORSTER

The application of Army Council Instruction 1513 is limited to "Civilian employés dealt with under Regulations for civilian subordinates," and does not extend to acting-paymasters, who have their own (superior) privileges as regards leave with pay. Owing to a misunderstanding, the lady superintendents in this office have enjoyed the same privileges as the acting-paymasters.