HC Deb 10 April 1919 vol 114 cc2259-60W
Sir FRANCIS LOWE

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many private soldiers in the Rhine Army, particularly drivers in the Royal Field Artillery, who are eligible for demobilisation but whose services are being retained, are not receiving the 10s. 6d. per week bonus, although they are working side by side with those who are in receipt of this extra pay; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in their case?

Mr. FORSTER

Such men are not eligible for the bonus at present, but if they are not demobilised by the 1st May, they will become eligible as from that date. Men at present in receipt of the bonus have either been definitely retained for the Army of Occupation or have volunteered and been accepted for that Army.

Sir HENRY CRAIK

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the possibility, in the case of honours graduates who have gained their linguistic qualifications by long and expensive study, and who are retained in the Army of Occupation as interpreters, to the detriment of their future careers, of providing that they should be given the rank and pay of sergeant instead of being graded as privates?

Mr. FORSTER

No provision has been made for the retention of interpreters as such in the Armies of Occupation. These men are, therefore, retained under the conditions applying to other soldiers, and receive bonus in virtue of their retention as soldiers as well as the additional pay of 1s. applicable to their employment. I regret that I see no reason to modify the rules at present obtaining.

Mr. MACLEOD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier who enlisted in 1914–15 and has not been demobilised, but is at present serving in Germany, is entitled to receive the bonus awarded to the Armies of Occupation; and, if not, why not?

Mr. FORSTER

Soldiers who are definitely retained for the Armies of Occupation or as part of the military machinery of demobilisation are eligible for the bonus from 1st February. Soldiers who are not so retained will also receive the bonus if they volunteer and are accepted for the Armies of Occupation. Those who are not retained and do not volunteer are being demobilised as rapidly as possible, and, if not actually demobilised by 1st May next, will receive the bonus from that date.