Lieut.-Colonel THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a number of British South Africans gave up lucrative posts at tile outbreak of war and journeyed here at their own expense in order to serve in the Army; seeing that those who became officers have had expenses paid on a certain scale, but those men who were privates have had payment made on a lower scale than for officers, although in some cases their travelling expenses were greater than in cases of men who became officers, will he inquire into the matter; whether he has obtained the information promised relating to Boer War pensioners for British and Boers; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe matter which forms the subject of the first part1426W of the question is one for the War Office. As regards the last part of the question, I. regret that it has not been possible to supply the hon. and gallant Member with the particulars for which he asked in November last, but the Select Committee of the Union House of Assembly which was appointed to consider the question of provision for South African Forces in the recent War and in previous wars within the boundaries of the Union have recommended the grant of pensions, etc., to South Africans, including burghers who have served in any previous South African war, on the same scale as to those who have served in the recent War.