§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received any representations regarding the pay of West Indians who served during the War in the Inland Water Transport, Royal Engineers; whether these men were given to understand on enlistment that they would in due course receive sappers' pay; why such pay has been denied them; and why they have been granted war gratuities at only half the rates laid down. in Army Order 17, of 1919?
§ Mr. FORSTERSapper's rates of pay were not authorised for these men, and they were entitled only to the rate of Is. a day on enlistment. They have no claim to the war gratuity of Army Order 17 of 1919. The war gratuity for these and other men similarly enlisted has, after very careful consideration, been fixed at half the full rates issuable to British troops.