asked the Undersecretary of State for War if a ruling has been given by the Wax Office that all officers in receipt of Indian rates of pay, who at any time since mobilisation have been appointed to the staff and since restored to the establishment, cease to be entitled to Indian rates from the 1st of January, 1918; whether he is aware that the Army agents have issued Indian rates up to the 31st of March, 1918, to the officers concerned, and are now pressing them for an immediate refund of the amount over-issued; and that hardship to officers, married and with children to educate, must thereby be caused; and if he will take any action?

The ruling referred to was the decision of the Army Council. I will consider the point referred to in the second part of the question.