HC Deb 31 March 1922 vol 152 cc1698-9W
Mr. RONALD McNEILL

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Edward Dawson, Royal Corps of Signals, while serving recently for two years in India, was entitled to pay at the rate of 4s. a day, of which he received during the whole of that period 3s. a day only; that he was further entitled to 9d. a day as from the 27th June, 1921, when he qualified as a wireless operator, which has never yet been paid; that he was sent home on 28 days' leave, pending discharge, on the 15th February, 1922, with a fortnight's pay and ration allowance, and was assured that the remaining fortnight's pay and allowance, together with all back pay, would be forwarded to him within 14 days; and, in view of the fact that six weeks have now elapsed without these payments or any part thereof having been paid, will he state what has occasioned this delay, and give instructions that all payments due to Dawson shall be discharged forthwith?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

No. 1859070, Signaller E. Dawson, Royal Corps of Signals, was discharged on 15th February, 1922, under paragraph 392 (xxi) King's Regulations. He disembarked from India on 21st November, 1921, from which date he was taken on pay as no last pay certificate had been received. Pay at 4s. per diem (Pioneers rate) was credited to 13th January, 1922, which was reduced to normal rates applicable to the Royal Corps of Signals from 14th January, 1922, in accordance with Army Council Instruction 447!21 as the trade of pioneer was obsolete for that Corps. On 22nd March a postal draft for £6 18s. 11d. was sent to him to the address given on discharge, namely, 20, St. Peter's Grove, Canterbury. This represented the balance of pay due on the account opened in this country. An application was made for his last pay certificate on 3rd January, 1922, and a cable has now been sent to expedite despatch. The question of arrears of pay and pay as wireless operator has also been taken up with the authorities in India, and immediately the required information is to hand the account will be finally adjusted.