HC Deb 11 September 1942 vol 383 cc542-3W
Sir L. Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the discontent now existing, he will consider paying the substantive salary in the case of all acting appointments both in the Army and in the appropriate grades of the Home Guard, on the principle that if a man is good enough to do the work he ought to receive the remuneration normally attaching to the post?

Sir J. Grigg

All acting promotions in the Army in wartime are made initially on an unpaid basis, but after the acting rank has been held continuously for 21 days the pay of the rank is granted retrospectively provided a vacancy in that rank exists on the establishment of the unit. The establishment is fixed so as to provide for a sufficient quota of higher ranks for the performance of the duties required under normal conditions, but local commanders are empowered to sanction the temporary appointment, in cases of necessity, of a small number of unpaid lance appointments in excess of the establishment of paid ranks and appointments. Men filling such additional appointments are considered for paid appointments as vacancies arise. I do not understand my hon. Friend's reference to the Home Guard which is an unpaid force.