HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 cc1733-4W
Major DAVIES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to abolish the distinctions between Regular and New Army officers now engaged by the Ministry of Pensions as regards their promotion and pay or, if this course is impracticable, whether he will take steps to discharge all temporary officers in order that they may have the same opportunity of promotion and in-increased pay as Civil servants?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Temporarily unfit officers attached to a Government Department normally draw Army pay and allowances, but if they fill special posts may be given the civil pay of the post instead. This applies equally to all officers. Permanently unfit officers relinquish their commissions whatever branch of the Service they belong to, and are dealt with as civilians. I understand that New Army officers permanently employed under the Ministry of Pensions relinquish their commissions.

General CROFT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether subaltern officers extra-regimentally employed and being paid at the regimental rate of 9s. 6d. per day are entitled to the increased pay and allowances for children granted to subaltern officers as from 1st October, 1917, by the late Royal Warrant; and whether this back pay, on being paid in a lump sum, is subject to Income Tax?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am not able to identify the officers referred too, and should be glad to have further particulars. Arrear payments are subject to Income Tax.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the Under Secretary of State for War whether officers in the Reserve who rejoined at the commencement of the War and have since been promoted are entitled to draw the same rate of pay as officers of the New Army of the corresponding rank; and, if not, why there is this difference?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Generally, the answer is in the affirmative. If the hon. Member knows of a case which appears to him to require explanation, I shall be glad to hear from him.

Colonel Sir JAMES CRAIG

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to place Cavalry captains under the same rules for promotion which holds good in the Infantry—namely, that they shall be promoted major on attaining fifteen years' service?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This question has been discussed several times, and the decision has been that Cavalry captains are not to be given time promotion to the rank of major.