HC Deb 16 July 1924 vol 176 cc345-6
18. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can make any further statement with reference to the granting of marriage allowances to naval officers, in view of the hardships already arising as a result of recent cuts in naval pay?

26. Viscount CURZON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that numbers of married naval officers, faced by a reduction in pay, with boys at school and two homes to keep up, have no alternative ahead of them but to withdraw the sons from school, and in some cases to allow their wives to undertake work, unless an allowance in respect of marriage can be granted, as in the case of the officers and men of the Royal Air Force and the Army, and to the lower deck of the Navy; and whether he is now in a position to make any statement?

Mr. AMMON

The matter is one of great complexity, but there will be no delay in announcing a decision when once it has been reached.

Viscountess ASTOR

When will that be?

Mr. AMMON

As soon as possible.

Viscount CURZON

Can we have an assurance that a decision upon this matter, which cannot wait, will be reached before the end of the Session?

Mr. AMMON

I cannot give any such undertaking.

Mr. HANNON

Is it a fact that the naval officer is still the worst paid of the public servants of this country?