§ 5. Mr. Toucheasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the messing allowance paid to men in the Royal Air Force on service in India; how this sum compares in purchasing power with the ration allowance paid to such men in England and Egypt; and, if it be smaller, whether any steps are being taken to adjust this?
§ Mr. ButlerThe messing allowance paid to men of the Royal Air Force in India is 3½ annas per man per diem. It is not strictly comparable with the ration allowance issued under British Regulations, and a comparison of the respective purchasing power of the two allowances would, therefore, be misleading. The 765 whole question is at present under consideration, and I expect that an anouncement will be made shortly.