§ 8. Colonel Sir CHARLES YATEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the 400 Admiralty whether the proposal to reduce the pay of naval officers by 5½ per cent. as from 1st July next applies to the pensions as well as to the pay of naval officers; and, if so, what is the authority on which this reduction of pensions is based?
§ Mr. HODGESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, as far as payments from naval funds are concerned, if by pensions the hon. and gallant Member refers to what is technically, under the Naval Regulations, called "retired pay." In the Fleet Order announcing the new rates of pay in 1919, it was specifically stated that the new rates both of pay and of retired pay were to be subject to revision according to the changes in the cost of living. So far as the question relates to officers paid by the Ministry of Pensions, the matter is one for that Department to deal with.
§ Sir C. YATEOn what is the cost of living based?
§ Mr. HODGESIt is based upon the Board of Trade index figure.
§ Sir C. YATEHas consideration been given to all the increased expenses incurred by officers on rent, rates, schools and other things?
§ Mr. HODGESI have no doubt that all these things have been taken into consideration by the Committee.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWas it not understood when these reductions were proposed that marriage allowances would be given to officers in the Navy, and will the hon. Gentleman undertake to suspend the reductions until these marriage allowances are granted?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESDoes the hon. Gentleman rely on the decision of the Committee or on his own personal investigation?
§ Mr. HODGESOne must be supplemented by the other. The hon. Member will agree that that is what is generally done. One is bound, however, to be influenced by the decision of the Committee on the facts.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWill the hon. Gentleman answer my question?
§ Mr. HODGESI would like notice of that question.