HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 cc691-2W
Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has reconsidered the position with regard to the signal office at the General Headquarters, Great Britain; and whether he can now agree that this office should revert to a civilian staff?

Mr. FORSTER

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Houghton-le-Spring on the 18th August. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. SWAN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Officer Commanding, General Headquarters, Great Britain, Signal Company, informed his men that their civil pay would not be affected if they volunteered for further service without permission from the Postmaster-General; whether that statement was in accordance with the published Civil Service Regulations; and whether he will warn the officers under his control not to make statements which may prejudice the Civil Service position of the rank and file?

Mr. FORSTER

If the question refers to further service for the Arms, of Occupation period, the information given these men is in accordance with the most recent decision, and an Army Council Instruction announcing the present position is on the point of being issued.