§ 71. Major Sir Edward Cadoganasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the kit upkeep allowance of the Royal Marine Police has been unchanged since 1938; and whether it will be reviewed so as, at least, to bring it into line with the kit upkeep allowance of the Metropolitan Police?
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Captain Pilkington)While it is a fact that the kit upkeep allowance for sergeants and constables of the Royal Marine Police has not changed since 1938, they have, in spite of the higher cost of clothing to the Crown, been charged only at the old issuing rate on which their rate of kit upkeep allowance was based, except that they are now liable for Purchase Tax in addition. Comparison with the rate of kit upkeep allowance for the Metropolitan Police would not be useful, because the two systems of issue are quite different.
§ Sir E. CadoganIs not the Minister aware that the cost of the kit, as borne, has increased, and will he not reconsider the matter? Should not the allowance come under review once a year?
§ Captain PilkingtonAs I said in my answer, they are charged at the old rate of cost.