Mr. N. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that private soldiers returning home from the Far East in H.M.T. "Athlone Castle" recently, were allowed only 10s. each to spend during a journey of three weeks, with the result that the goods in the ship's canteen were beyond their reach; and if he will remedy this.
§ Mr. LawsonI understand that, although a general payment of only 10s. was made during this voyage, further payments were made to those men who applied for them. It is laid down in the instructions now in force that cash issues will be made to soldiers at such a rate as the officer commanding troops may determine, but such issues will be restricted to the minimum of their requirements. I hope that under these arrangements no further difficulties of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend will arise.