13. Mr. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the difference in pay betwixt 948 warrant officers in 1927 and 981 warrant officers in 1928 is due to the cost-of-living figures; and, if not, what is the explanation of the reduction in aggregate pay for more men?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe difference is not due to the cost-of-living figures. The explanation is that the 1927 numbers shown in the Estimates are those expected to be borne on 31st March, 1928, but the average number throughout the year for whom pay had to be provided was considerably larger. There has been no material difference in the average rate of pay of the officers concerned.