Officers, Middle East (Leave Allowances)

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 28 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Gordon Touche Mr Gordon Touche , Reigate 12:00, 28 Ionawr 1947

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in most cases there is a delay of several months in paying ration allowances to officers granted local leave in Palestine; and whether he will take steps to ensure more prompt payment in the future.

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

Officers granted local leave in Palestine are paid their ration allowance at the end of the month in which the Paymaster receives notification of the grant of leave, or the next month if the notification is received too late. In large commands abroad there is bound to be some delay in the transmission of documents, especially from isolated units; but to avoid hardship, officers in the Middle East on leave may draw advances of pay ahead of the normal dates of entitlement.

Photo of Mr Gordon Touche Mr Gordon Touche , Reigate

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that this system is not working, because many officers who went on leave six months ago have not yet received their ration allowances?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

I should be surprised if there were any large number. If there are any individual cases in which the hon. Member is interested perhaps he would be good enough to let me know.

Mr. Vane:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I left the Middle East in December, 1944, and received my leave allowance cheque about 10 days ago?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

That may not be my fault, but I am glad to hear the hon. Member has received it.