HC Deb 04 March 1919 vol 113 cc241-2W
Sir K. WOOD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether due consideration will be given to the fact that acting-paymasters have performed satisfactorily during the War the duties of the permanent staff commissioned officers in peace time; and whether steps will be taken to restore to acting-paymasters the right to service gratuity under Paragraph 497 of the Royal Warrant for Pay payable to civilians appointed to military positions in Imperial Forces?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Due consideration has been given to all the circumstances relating to the employment of acting-paymasters, and the terms on which they were engaged. They are not entitled to the gratuities provided under Article 497 of the Pay Warrant.

Sir K. WOOD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the services rendered by acting-paymasters during the War, which services have on many occasions been the subject of high appreciation by the Paymaster-in-Chief, a war gratuity similar to that given to other officers may be paid to acting-paymasters?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Acting-paymasters serve under civil contracts which lay down the terms of their remuneration, and, like certain other classes, are not entitled to war gratuities as officers. I am considering whether it may be possible to give them some form of gratuity on completion of their service.