HC Deb 05 February 1942 vol 377 cc1286-7W
Sir R. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of the ordinary mess subscription for the infantry, the cavalry, the tanks, the yeomanry and the artillery, respectively; and whether he is satisfied that all officers commissioned from the ranks are able to pay this sum?

Captain Margesson

Information as to the average mess subscriptions in each of the arms and corps mentioned is not available. The total mess subscription which an officer may be called upon to pay is, however, limited by King's Regulations to an annual subscription of ten days' pay of his rank plus an additional 15s. monthly, which may in exceptional circumstances be increased to 25s. monthly. In the majority of units the actual subscription is much below this maximum. There is no reason to think that the current rates are excessive for officers commissioned from the ranks.