Major Millsasked the Secretary of State for War whether proficiency pay can be given immediately to ex-service men now serving in the National Defence Companies who are certified by their commanding officers to be duly qualified, in view of the fact that it was only owing to the previously gained proficiency of these men in the use of their weapons that they were able to be armed and to carry out their guard duties immediately on the outbreak of war without any further training?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIt is not practicable to have a special rule for the National Defence Companies which does not apply to any other men of the Territorial Army or Territorial Army Reserve. Members who have previous colour service of more than 12 months, which they declared on enlistment, will be given the benefit of it both for increments of pay and for 3d. military proficiency pay, on the certificate of their commanding officer, under the pre-war rules. Those who are in possession of a second class Army certificate of education are also eligible immediately for 3d. educational proficiency pay. Previous service declared on enlistment is being verified as quickly as possible, and any men who are qualified for increments or for proficiency pay will then be given the benefit of it with retrospective effect.