26. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, as the new naval marriage scheme is designed to give to naval officers equal remuneration to that given to comparable ranks in the two other fighting Services, he will say why a married lieutenant-commander, aged 35, in an appointment at sea, unless he has eight children, is worse off than a squadron-leader of the same age who is also separated by service from his wife?
Mr. CooperA portion of the pay of a squadron-leader is generally regarded as being compensation for flying risks. A married lieutenant-commander of 35 with one child, if serving in the Fleet Air Arm, will be as well off as the squadron-leader of the same age.
§ Mr. Speaker rose
Vice-Admiral TaylorOn a point of Order. I have asked a very definite question with regard to a lieutenant. commander serving on a ship, not as a flying officer.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. and gallant Member's question seems to be developing into an argument.
Vice-Admiral TaylorOn a point of Order. May I have an answer to the question that I put on the Paper?
Mr. CooperI gave my hon. and gallant Friend the simple answer that the reason why the man in the Air Service receives more pay is that he receives an allowance for flying risks, and similarly a man in the Fleet Air Arm receives the same pay as the man in the Air Service.