§ 49. Commander SOUTHBYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the bonus paid to civil servants on account of the increased cost of living, which was due to be revised on the 1st September, has been continued for a further six months, he will consider applying the same principle to officers of the Navy, Army and Air Force, whose pay is also subject to revision under the arrangement of 1919; and whether he will consider stabilising the rates of pay in the Navy, Army and Air Force at their present rates?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe rates of pay of officers of the Navy, Army and Air Force are due to be revised as from the 1st July next. It can be predicted that the existing basis of revision will require the reduction from standard rates, which has been 6 per cent. since 1927, to be increased to 8 per cent. After full consideration of the circumstances the Government has decided that the reduction shall be limited to 7 per cent. for a period of 12 months from the 1st July next, after which the matter will be further considered.
§ Commander SOUTHBYObserving that naval officers are at a particular disadvantage with regard to the other Services in that they get no marriage allowance, will the hon. Gentleman re consider the question as it particularly affects them?
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. Gentleman get his Government to look into the question of naval officers?
§ Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCEThe Noble Lady's question deals with a separate subject which requires notice. As to the first question, my right hon. Friend will, no doubt, consider the point raised.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it is unfair to apply the ordinary cost-of-living figure to the Navy, Army and Air Force, because the figures which really operate are the figures in regard to the cost of education?