§ Sir H. NIELDasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether old soldiers who responded to the invitation of the Army Council on the outbreak of war to voluntarily re-enlist for one year are not entitled to receive the bounty of£20, and to have a month's leave on the completion of their extra year's service in the same manner as reservists; if not, what is the reason for making the distinction between the two classes of men; and whether steps will be taken to put these men, some of whom have done upwards of three years' continuous service, on the same footing as reservists, or otherwise, to meet their grievance?
§ Mr. FORSTERThis matter was very fully considered at the time the Order was issued, and it was decided that the circumstances did not justify a distinction in this respect between those whose connection with the Army had ceased before the War began and the rest of the civil population.