§ Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in connection with invitations now being extended to war service personnel in the R.A.P.C. to take on regular engagements, he will give an assurance that this action will not prejudice the consideration of proposals that after the war the home pay offices, save in exceptional cases, should be staffed on a civilian basis.
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§ Sir J. GriggNo fresh invitations have recently been extended to war service personnel in the R.A.P.C. to take on regular engagements. The question of staffing home pay offices will be decided, as the hon. Member will appreciate, in the light of the needs of the post-war Army, when they are known.
§ Sir A. Pownallasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the payment of the troops by the R.A.P.C. instead of by regimental officers, with a view to conducing to more efficient administration.
§ Sir J. GriggMy hon. and gallant Friend's proposal has been considered and rejected on more than one occasion. I attach importance to the existing system under which the regimental officer is responsible for the payment of the men under his operational command. The provision of trained R.A.P.C. staff for the purpose suggested would make demands upon that Corps which could not be met.