§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is stated in paragraph 6 of Army Order No. 87 of 1919 that acting-paymasters are included in the military machinery of demobilisation and are eligible for the full bonus from the 1st February, 1919; if he will say how such an Order is to be reconciled with his statement on the 24th March that acting-paymasters are civilians doing accounting work which is in no sense military; whether all acting-paymasters are receiving the full bonus from the 1st February, 1919, in compliance with the terms of the Order; and, if not, will he explain the reason for violating the Order?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe acting-paymasters referred to in Army Order 87 are those bearing commissions. Army Order 87 explains and defines the term "Military Machinery of Demobilisation" used in paragraph 3 (c) of Army Order 55. Army Order 55 refers throughout to officers and soldiers. In paragraph 6, it lays down that the financial benefits to be paid in connection with it are contained in the Royal Warrant issued as Army Order 54. That Royal Warrant provides extra remuneration for certain officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, and has no application whatever to civilians. The Orders are being strictly carried out, so far as I am aware.
§ Mr. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether those acting-paymasters performing duties in theatres of war who have been commissioned for reasons of discipline are compulsorily retained in the Army or liable to be so retained; whether the duties of such commissioned acting-paymasters differ in any respect from uncommissioned acting-paymasters; and, if not, why is there differentiation between the two classes in the matter of bonus?
§ Mr. FORSTERCommissioned acting- paymasters are in the same position as regards liability to retention in the Army as other commissioned officers, and for that reason draw the bonus which has been granted to commissioned officers and en listed men. Uncommissioned acting-pay masters serve on purely civilian engagements and for that reason are not eligible for the bonus, though their duties are identical with the duties discharged by some of the commissioned acting-paymasters.