64. Captain A. EVANSasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware how the present index cost-of-living figure affects the Services; and if he will consider the alteration of this figure as far as it affects the Army?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe rates of pay, half-pay and retired pay for officers sanctioned in 1919 were settled in relation to the cost-of-living index figures published by the Ministry of Labour. The periodical review to which these rates are subject is, therefore, necessarily based on those figures, as explained on pages 228 and 282 of the current Army Estimates.
Captain EVANSCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the last review of the cost-of-living index figure took place, and whether the Minister of Labour consulted his Department as far as it affected the Services?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, Sir; I do not think a review has taken place, because the contract was based on the figures then in existence.
§ Captain EVANSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Labour stated in this House only a few days ago that he did review this figure, and consulted the Trades Union Congress with reference to the alteration of the figure; and was the War Office considered in this matter?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid it is not material, because the contract was based upon certain figures, and the successors of those figures still govern the contract.
§ Colonel APPLINCould my right hon. Friend explain to the House the relationship between the cost-of-living of a working man and that of an officer?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid not at Question Time.
§ 71. Captain A. EVANSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware how the present index cost of-living figure affects the Services; and if he will consider the alteration of this figure so far as it affects the Navy?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given by the Minister of Labour on 22nd June to the Noble Member for Shrewsbury (OFFICIAL REPORT, column 1856–7).
§ Captain EVANSHave the Admiralty had any opportunity in the last six months of making representations to the Minister of Labour on this matter as far as it affects the pay of the naval forces?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe Admiralty are perfectly well aware of the difficulty in this matter. The answer that the Secretary of State for War gave just now equally applies to the Admiralty.