HC Deb 10 July 1923 vol 166 cc1189-90W
Sir H. NIELD

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Captain W. J. Chilcott, quartermaster of the South Irish Horse, disbanded in May, 1922, has not yet received the balance of salary to which he is entitled for the period between disembodiment and disbandment of the regiment, namely, 21st November, 1919, to 2nd May, 1922, which amounts to £456 14s. 3d., less £75 received in August last, leaving a balance still due of £381 14s. 3d.; and when this payment will be made?

Mr. GWYNNE

I think the hon. Member has not been quite correctly informed as to the facts in this case. Captain Chilcott was appointed before the War to be quartermaster of the South Irish Horse (a Special Reserve regiment), and received a salary during peace-time of £100 a year for his part-time services as quartermaster, in addition to the Army pay to which he was entitled when the regiment was assembled for training. The regiment was in a state of suspension during the period referred to in the question, pending a decision as to its reconstitution. Captain Chilcott claimed that his salary as quartermaster should be resumed after hi sdemobilisation during this period when his regiment had no active existence, but in this and other similar cases it has been decided that quartermasters are not entitled to pay under these circumstances. In the case of Captain Chilcott, however, it has been represented that he did, in fact, carry out some work, and this has been recognised by making an ex gratia payment of £75.