§ 8. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the recent decision to grant marriage allowance to the officers of the Royal Indian Navy at the rates of about £112 10s. per annum for a lieutenant of 30 years of age, £135 for a lieutenant-commander or commander, and £180 for a captain; and whether, in view of the improved financial position of the country and the increasing expenses of young married naval officers, particularly at Malta, he will provide moneys in the Estimates for marriage allowances for naval officers and so redress a long-standing grievance?
§ Sir S. HoareThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I am afraid that I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 27th January.
§ Sir M. SueterIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of living at the home ports and at Gibraltar, Malta and other ports have all gone up, and that the cost of domestic services, education, etc., has gone up—that everything has gone up?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir. I am aware of those facts, but I fear that I can add nothing to the answer that I have already given to my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Sir M. SueterDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that naval officers' babies are just as important as bombs and torpedoes?