§ Mr. W. R. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War whether any distinction is made between quartermasters and other officers of similar rank in the payment of the special allowance made under the Army Order of November, 1914, in regard to lodging, fuel, and light; and, if so, why officers holding the same rank cannot be treated equally in this respect?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe primary object of Army Order 501 of 1914 was to give assistance to officers who had to provide accommodation for their families at home. To the extent to which quartermasters were already in receipt of such assistance they were, of necessity, excluded from the benefit of the Army Order.
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§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War whether the pay of Infantry quartermasters holding the rank of captain after three years' service could be increased to 13s. 6d. per day, that being the normal rate of pay of an Infantry captain; and, if not, whether he can state the reason?
§ Mr. FORSTERI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my Noble Friend the Member for Aldershot on the 3rd April, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War whether any alteration can be made in the period of commissioned service necessary to qualify for the increase in the pay of quartermasters?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe question of the pay of quartermasters will be considered together with that of other officers in connection with the post-war Army.
§ Mr. SMITHasked the Secretary of State for War whether quartermasters with the rank of captain could receive the same rate of bonus as given to other captains with similar length of commissioned service?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe conditions governing the issue of the bonus are laid down in Army Orders 54 and 84 of 1919.