§ 11. Mr. O. LEWISasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will arrange for the Board of Admiralty to come to a definite decision with regard to the award of marriage allowance to Naval officers before the Navy Estimates are presented to the House of Commons?
Mr. ALEXANDERI can state definitely that the forthcoming Navy Estimates will not contain any such provision, but that does not mean that a final decision has been come to on the matter, which will continue under re-examination.
§ Mr. LEWISAm I to understand that in the right hon. Gentleman's view the urgency of this problem is much less now that he is in office?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe hon. Member must not understand anything of the kind. I have given the hon. Member the view of the Admiralty for the time being.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I ask exactly what the right hon. Gentleman means? Is he aware that for several months past the answer has been made that this matter is being inquired into? What is the result of the inquiries?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe result of the inquiries is what I am sure the hon. Member would have expected, from his long experience in the matter, and that 1795 is that a very strong case is put from both points of view, and we are not at present prepared to give a decision.
§ Commander SOUTHBYWhen will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to remedy this injustice?