73. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the recent reduction in the special fuel and light allowance payable to officers, what this reduction is; and whether the same amount is applicable to officers of all ranks?
§ Mr. SHAWThe scales of issue of fuel and light and of the allowances in lieu have been revised with a view to their assessment on a more equitable and scientific basis. The revision has not resulted in any decrease in the total sum expended on this service, but it has altered the amounts issuable in various cases, causing increases in some and reductions in others. But neither the reductions nor increases are very considerable. I will quote the case of married generals and married captains as examples of the principal reductions. Married generals lose 5d. a day on the winter scale and 3d. a day on the summer scale. Married captains lose 3d. a day on the winter scale and 2d. a day on the summer scale. Married lieutenants gain 4d. a day in winter and 2d. a day in summer, and married colour-sergeants gain 3d. a day in winter and 1d. a day in summer.