HC Deb 11 August 1919 vol 119 cc910-1W
Sir E. COATES

asked the Minister of Labour if it is the custom of the Civil Liabilities Commission that, after allowing an annual grant to a man on joining up as a private, on promotion his grant is reduced by the amount of extra pay he receives on promotion; and, if such is the case, will he take into his consideration the alteration of this practice, especially looking to the fact of the increased cost of living and that the custom penalises a man from striving to improve his position?

Sir R. HORNE

It has always been the practice of the Civil Liabilities Department to review a grant made to a private, on his promotion. The grant is not, however, automatically reduced on account of his promotion, nor is it reduced by the whole amount of the extra pay which accrues on promotion. Each case is dealt with on its merits. I see no reason for altering the present practice. I may observe in this connection that no reduction of grants from the Civil Liabilities Department has been made by reference to the bonus which is now payable to men serving with the Armies of Occupation in addition to their ordinary pay.