§ Mr. Wilmotasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of complaints about the long hours, inadequate rations and welfare accommodation of soldiers employed on postal work proper to the civilian authorities last Christmas, he will see that adequate arrangements are made if soldiers are again employed; and whether, in view of the objections to soldiers being employed on civil work while receiving only Army pay and allowances, he will consider revising the regulations which prevent the payment of ordinary civil rates of pay for the work;
(2) whether, in view of the objections to the employment of soldiers at Army 1932W rates of pay on civilian work alongside civilians paid at ordinary rates, he will consider securing that any soldiers whom it is necessary to employ on Post Office work next Christmas shall be paid not less than the appropriate civilian rate of pay?
§ Captain MargessonI have not had complaints of the nature mentioned by the hon. Member in the first part of the Question brought to my notice, but I will see that the suggestions he makes receive consideration. With regard to the second part, the employment of soldiers on this and other work for civilian authorities is performed as a military duty, and they continue to receive their normal military emoluments as for any other duty. I do not consider it desirable to alter this practice