§ 1. Mr. RONALD M'NEILLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a new scale of prices for the clothing of blue-jackets has recently been introduced', the cumulative effect of which will be to in-increase on an average by about£ or £ per annum the necessary expenses of the men; and, if so, whether he will explain how the recent addition to the men's pay and the grant of free kit on entering the Service are sufficient compensation for the increase of expenditure from this cause?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Churchill)I have nothing to add to the full reply I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth which I circulated with the Votes on Monday last, except that the average increase of price is estimated to be 5s. or 6s. a year and not at the £4s or £s a year given in the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the reasons given by the Government for raising the pay of seamen was the increased cost of living? Will the right hon. Gentleman consider raising the increase so as to meet the additional increase in the cost of clothes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe hon. Gentleman has answered his own question. He says that one of the reasons for the increase was the increase in the cost of living.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWas the right hon. Gentleman aware when he made that statement that another increase in the cost of living would be announced?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe question was considered in connection with the general course of the wages movement outside.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the right. hon. Gentleman aware that this Order was officially promulgated only on 1st May?