§ Sir K. WOODasked 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. CHURCHILLDue 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. WOODasked 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. CHURCHILLActing-paymasters serve under civil contracts which lay down the terms of their remuneration, and, like certain other classes, are not entitled to242W war gratuities as officers. I am considering whether it may be possible to give them some form of gratuity on completion of their service.