§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the adoption for the Army of a system of pay book similar to that in use 1773W by the Australians, which shows not only the debit side, as is the case now in this country, but the credit side also?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe question has been fully considered, and it has been decided that the adoption of the Australian book is riot desirable. An improved form of pay book has, however, been approved and will shortly be issued.
§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that soldiers have been punished for asking for pay which they believed they were entitled to; if he is aware that many soldiers have complained that they were left short in their payments and that if they complain or dispute their pay-sheets they incur the displeasure of their superiors and are liable to detention and other forms of punishment; and if he will say what protection there is for soldiers who dispute the accuracy of the payments which their accounts are debited with?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo. Sir; my attention has not been called to matters referred to in the question. If the hon. Member will refer to Section 43 of the Army Act he will see the procedure whereby soldiers may prefer any complaint they may desire to make.