§ Mr. ROWLANDSasked the Postmaster-General whether in September, 1914, a pledge was given in the Post Office Circular that Post Office officials joining the Royal Engineers should receive full civil pay in addition to military pay; whether the Government recognises this promise as binding to-day; and whether he will state the reason why men who enlisted under this promise are being refused the gratuity which is an essential part of military pay?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHI have been in consultation with the Treasury and the War Office in this matter; and I understand that an Army Council Instruction is about to be issued under which the gratuities prescribed by Article 1117 of the Pay Warrant will no longer be withheld from the men concerned.