§ Mr. WATTasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the staff sergeants' pay in the Forage Department, Army Service Corps, was in 1914 6s. per day, with 1s. per day bicycle allowance, the men living outside barracks and providing themselves with everything, including uniforms; whether, on the increase of soldiers' pay by 50 per cent., an order was issued by his Department that there would thereafter be a free issue of clothing; whether, when-such is applied for, it is refused unless the old articles of clothing paid for by the men are returned to the quartermaster's stores; and if he will say whether this action has the sanction of his Department?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThese men were first engaged in 1915 on the terms stated in the first part of the question. In February, 1917, an additional 1s. per day was granted, and in November of that year a free issue of clothing was allowed. No orders as suggested have been issued, but 3221W if the hon. Member has any specific cases in mind I shall be glad if he will furnish me with particulars.