§ Mr. ALFRED SHORTasked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Post Office Circular, 29th September, 1914, appealing for recruits to join the Army, stated that Post Office servants en- 1804W listing as office telegraphists in the Royal Engineers, Regular Army, or in the Royal Engineers Special Reserve, signal section, were allowed full civil pay in addition to military pay when called up for service; whether such a promise was in conformity with the past practice of the Government when seeking trained men at quick notice from the Post Office; whether many men joined the Colours in response to the appeal; and whether in 1917 the Treasury and the Army authorities, without consultation with the Post Office officers concerned, issued an Army Council Instruction nullifying this promise and reducing very considerably the military emoluments promised in 1914?
§ Mr. GEORGE THORNEasked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of his statement on 6th August last that in the announcements inviting recruits for the Royal Engineers, Signal Section, it was stated that full civil pay would be allowed in addition to military pay and allowances, he will explain why allowances and gratuities have been withheld from those men who accepted service as a result of the promise made; if so, on whose authority it was decided to ignore such pledge; and whether he is able to announce the result of his consultation with the Law Officers of the Crown so far as the gratuities are concerned?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHArrangements have been made to refund to the men in question the sums deducted from their civil pay in respect of increases in their separation allowances. The question of gratuities on discharge is still under consideration, but I hope to make an announcement shortly.