§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the rise in the cost of food, he will revise the special rates of pay applicable to pensioners re-enlisted before mobilisation, since those rates were based on the cost of food at the time of re-enlistment?
§ Captain MargessonI regret that it would not be possible at this stage to revise the special inclusive rate of pay to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Sir J. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for War whether a pensioner, re-enlisted before mobilisation under War Office Letter No. 3o/Misc.2879/A.G.1(c), dated 22nd May, 1939, and living out of barracks, when in fact provided with rations against a deduction of is. 8d. per day from his pay, is entitled to a standard ration as denned in Allowance Regulations, 1938, paragraph 29; and whether, when provided with meat, bread, tea and sugar only, he is entitled to be credited with commuted and messing cash allowances, subject always to the said deduction of is. 8d. per day?
1726W
§ Captain MargessonThe standard ration laid down in Allowance Regulations, 1938, paragraph 29, is not now issued to troops in this country. A re-enlisted pensioner drawing the special inclusive rate of pay referred to in my answer of 1st May and living out of barracks is not entitled to draw either the personal ration or the cash allowance which forms part of it. My attention has been drawn to the fact that rations are in fact being drawn in some cases and steps are being taken to put an end to this irregularity.