§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that four civilians attached to the shore wireless service were asked in April, 1918, to volunteer for service in Italy under civilian conditions as to pay and privileges similar to those they were enjoying; that these men were required to go from Ancona to the Bosphorus, where they were kept on board H.M.S. "Cæsar" under naval routine and conditions; that their claims for payment were submitted to the Admiralty in December, 1918, and the General Post Office requested to make the necessary payments in December, 1919; that the men concerned have been offered amounts which are less than the total sums due, the deficit in two cases being over £72; and whether he will issue the necessary instructions for a settlement of these men's claim?
§ Mr. LONGThe men referred to were entitled to the rates of pay applicable to them as employés of the General Post Office. The amounts paid were those stated by the General Post Office to be due, less advances which had been made from naval sources. The deductions referred to were made on account of subsistence allowance at the rate of 4s. a day which was claimed in each case in respect of the period spent at Otranto. The charge was not allowed because subsistence allowance is only payable when expenses are necessarily incurred for food and accommodation, whereas the officials concerned were provided with service victuals and were accommodated in tents. Applications have recently been received for an extra allowance to meet the cost of supplementing the service rations, and the individuals concerned have been requested to forward receipts in support of the claims. On receipt of these documents the matter will be further considered.