27. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether married officers have been asked whether they wish to take advantage of the marriage allowance scheme; and what has been the result of that inquiry?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Duff Cooper)As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, married naval officers are given the option whether they will remain under present conditions until their next promotion or whether they will elect to come under the scheme at once, and they will be given a similar option on each appointment until next promotion. Up to date 2,975 declarations have been received. Of these, 92, or slightly over 3 per cent., elect for the time being to remain under present conditions. It must not, however, be assumed that this 3 per cent. would wish to be excluded permanently from the scheme.
§ Mr. CooperNo, Sir.