HC Deb 12 March 1919 vol 113 cc1303-4W
Mr. LYON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Samuel Giles, an ex-Army instructor, serving in the Borough of Hastings Police, Force, who in 1914 answered the call of the War Office for ex-Army instructors, and was then attached to the Royal Sussex Regiment at Chichester for a period of about 18 months, received during that time no regimental pay whatever, although his wife received his full police pay together with the separation allowance; whether it is the intention of the War Office to in any way recognise the services of Mr. Giles and others who rendered similar services; whether it is a fact that when the West Sussex Constabulary instructors were withdrawn they were allowed 5s. per day for the whole period during which they had acted as Army instructors, thus receiving about £16 in one sum; and, if so, what is the reason of the distinction thus apparently made between the West Sussex and the Hastings Constabulary?

Mr. CHURCHILL

It would appear that Mr. Giles was employed under arrangements made with the police authorities in the early days of the War, whereby the services of such men were temporarily utilised as drill instructors. Under these arrangements they retained their police rates of pay, and received in addition free rations, accommodation, and fuel and light, and, if separated from their families, separation allowance. I have no cognisance of the payment of 5s. a day to the West Sussex Constabulary instructors.