HC Deb 10 October 1939 vol 352 cc197-8W
Mr. Higgs

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many able-bodied ex-service men have joined the National Defence Companies since the outbreak of war at wages of £3 per week, when many of their colleagues who joined the Territorial Army before war broke out are receiving the ordinary Army pay of 14s. per week; and whether he will look into this matter with a view to taking such steps as will prevent dissatisfaction now and in the future?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The pay of those who joined the National Defence Companies is the same as the pay of other Territorial soldiers.

Mr. Storey

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many of the men who volunteered for the National Defence Companies and have been sent home to await discharge on medical grounds have not received their allowances during the month they have been on service, and that neither the public assistance committees nor the Unemployment Assistance Board will assist them until they are discharged; and whether he will take steps to ensure the prompt payment of pay and allowances until discharge is completed?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

Every endeavour is being made to ensure that payments are made in outstanding cases where pay and allowances had not been issued at the due date. It will assist if any man so placed who has not received pay or allowances due to him would communicate with the Regimental Paymaster, Pay and Record Office, Barnet, giving his full name, present address and regimental particulars.