§ Mr. RANKINasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the recent increase in the value of the Chinese dollar in relation to sterling has caused a severe reduction in the pay of naval officers on the China station, in view of the fact that such pay is distributed in dollars; and whether, since the cost of living has not fallen by a corresponding amount, he proposes to take any steps to alleviate the hardship which may result?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLI am, of course, aware of the recent increase in the value of the Hong Kong dollar, and its effect upon the pay of naval officers 1694 on the China Station. I can assure my hon. Friend that the matter is already receiving consideration.