§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether a gratuity at the conclusion of the War has been given to all ranks employed in Army pay offices except the acting-paymasters; whether, during the War, these officers have been required to work overtime, including Sundays, for months at a stretch without extra remuneration; and why they are penalised by being refused the gratuity?
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§ Mr. FORSTERThe gratuities provided on termination of the War are only for commissioned officers and enlisted men. They do not apply to any of the very large numbers of civilians (including acting-paymasters) employed in pay offices. The pay of acting-paymasters is inclusive of overtime, and I gladly recognise the willingness with which they have often worked long hours. I am considering the possibility of giving them some form of gratuity.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether all officers and men retained in the Army of Occupation, whether overseas or in the United Kingdom, are granted a weekly addition to their pay; whether, under Army Order 6D, dated 15th February, 1919, the whole personnel of the Army Pay Department are eligible for full bonus from the 1st February, 1919; and whether that applies to civilian acting-paymasters?
§ Mr. FORSTERAll commissioned officers and enlisted men definitely retained in the Armies of Occupation receive a special weekly bonus, and all such officers and men in the Army Pay Department and Corps are eligibie from 1st February last; but the bonus is not applicable to acting paymasters who are not commissioned.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the grave unrest in the ranks of civilian acting-paymasters at what they consider to be financial injustice meted out to them; whether their demands have been officially sent in through the usual channels; and whether anything is being done to redress their grievances?
§ Mr. FORSTERRepresentations have been received and have been fully considered. I have nothing to add to the written reply given by my right hon. Friend to the hon. and learned Friend the Member for the Ealing Division, Middlesex, on the 24th instant.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War whether, as a result of the war bonus, warrant officers, Classes 1 and 2, in the Army Pay Department, including separation allowance with two children, now receive more pay than the acting-paymaster from whom they take their orders; and whether this position is now subversive of all discipline?
§ Mr. FORSTERIf the term "pay" is used to include all emoluments of the622W family, the position is as stated, in the case of acting-paymasters on the lowest rate of pay. The discipline of the Army Pay Corps is in the hands of the commissioned officers of the Army Pay Department.