§ 9. Captain Macnamaraasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that retired officers do not receive the same emoluments to-day as they did in 1931; and whether he will explain why the cut has not been restored as were the cuts imposed in other professions?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir. From 1919 to 1935 officers' retired pay, like the pay of serving officers and the bonus of civil servants, was subject to variation with changes in the cost of living. The only variations in retired pay made during these years, including 1931, were in accordance with this principle, except that whereas civil servants' bonus was brought into line with the current cost of living figure from 1st March, 1931, officers' pay and retired pay were issued at a slightly higher rate till 1st October, 1931. Pay, retired pay and civil service salaries were all consolidated in 1935 at rates corresponding to a cost of living figure of 55, which was the figure for the earlier part of 1931.
§ Captain MacnamaraWere not these retired rates of pay consolidated—no doubt by chance—when the cost of living happened to be very low?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI have answered my hon. and gallant Friend's question, which is based upon a slight misapprehension. If he will read my answer, he will see that, if anything, officers have been slightly better treated than other sections of the community.
§ Mr. LipsonWill my right hon. Friend revise these figures in view of the rise in the cost of living?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot revise them. They are applicable to all services