HC Deb 07 October 1941 vol 374 cc818-9
13. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that in order to make the recently announced increase in the allowances paid to married officers in the Army under the age of 30, the rates to be paid in the future to married officers, as and when they reach the age of 30, are to be reduced, and in view of the fact that this constituted, in effect, a reduction in the allowances to be paid to officers over 30 years of age as compared to the rates they now enjoy, he will reconsider the whole question of pay and allowances, not only to the officers, but also to the men in the ranks of the Army, having regard to the large rewards now paid to those engaged in industrial employment, and the recently announced increase in bonuses to be paid to Civil servants?

Captain Margesson

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the latter part of the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 30th September to the hon. Member for London University (Sir E. Graham-Little). I am unable to accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that the recent revision of family lodging allowance rates for married officers involves a decrease in the rates for all officers over 30 or that officers already serving will have their allowances reduced.

Sir A. Southby

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that not only in the Services but among the public there is growing dissatisfaction at the scurvy treatment meted out to officers and men and to their wives and dependants by the Treasury?

Captain Margesson

No doubt my hon. and gallant Friend saw the Reply which the Prime Minister gave the other day on the subject, in which he said: My colleagues and I are examining suggestions that the families of other ranks are in certain cases experiencing hardship and difficulty in meeting their obligations."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 30th September, 1941; col. 501, Vol. 374.]

Sir A. Southby

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, while this examination is taking place—it could have taken place some time ago—the dependants of the officers and men are suffering?