§ Mr. R. C. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that certain companies of Royal Engineers receiving trade rates of pay have recently been designated Royal Artillery and their pay reduced accordingly, the loss in the case of a corporal amounting to 17s. 6d. weekly; and whether he has any statement to make?
§ Mr. EdenI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to certain air defence units which have been, or may be, transferred from the Corps of the Royal Engineers to that of the Royal Artillery. The treatment of soldiers, previously in receipt of tradesmen's rates of pay, who may thereby become surplus to the establishment of tradesmen in the unit of their new Corps, is at present under consideration. I was not aware that pay had in fact been reduced, and, if my hon. Friend will send me particulars, I will make inquiries.