HC Deb 14 July 1937 vol 326 cc1240-1
23. Sir Robert Young

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the extra expense to be met by those stationed at Seletar base, near Singapore; whether there have been any applications from officers for increased allowances to meet this extra expense; and what additional amount is paid to warrant officers who live in the ships?

Mr. Cooper

The extra expenses involved for officers and men stationed permanently on shore at Singapore are recognised by the grant of Colonial allowance. Allowances are also payable to officers living in ships stationed permanently at the Singapore base, amounting, in the case of warrant officers, to £160 a year. No recent application for an increase of the rates of Colonial allowance for officers has been received.

Sir R. Young

Do I understand from the reply of the First Lord that a proportionate allowance is made to ordinary and able-bodied seamen?

Mr. Cooper

That is another question.

26. Sir R. Young

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the amount of wages per annum paid to dockyard men at Seletar base; whether they receive in addition free accommodation; and whether there are any other monetary allowances?

Mr. Cooper

English dockyard workmen serving under agreement at Singapore naval base, to which I assume the hon. Gentleman refers, receive their home yard rates of pay plus charge pay and a foreign service allowance; and they are provided with free quarters. The wages of a typical married English dockyard mechanic at Singapore are:

£ s. d.
Basic wage … … 2 8 0
Bonus … … 17 0
Charge pay … … 8 0
Foreign service allowance … … 4 13 4
Total … … 8 6 4*
* a week, or £432 a year.

A single man would receive 11s. 8d. a week less.