HC Deb 31 March 1938 vol 333 cc2185-6
79. Sir John Anderson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is yet in a position to announce any decision with regard to the extension of the privilege of marriage allowances to officers of the medical branch of the Royal Navy?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)

As I mentioned in the Debate on the Estimates I was sorry the time had not permitted of a complete investigation of the application of marriage allowance to medical officers. It has now been decided that there is no reason for making any difference in the case of these officers, and it has just been announced to the Fleet that they will receive marriage allowances under the same conditions as other naval officers.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Arising out of that answer, with which, I am sure, medical officers in the Navy will be very pleased, may I ask whether, the Admiralty having considered this matter for a year, the Parliamentary Secretary will now convey to the First Lord the advisability of reviewing the whole of the marriage allowances?

Mr. Shakespeare

If I took any such foolish suggestion—[Interruption]—I should not be acting in the interests of the—

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Speaker

It was somewhat unusual language to me in answering a question.

Mr. Shakespeare

In view of your remark, Mr. Speaker, I apologise to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. Thorne

I have had stronger language used against me.