§ 37. Commander Galbraithasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why certain officers required to work in London for an indefinite period do not receive the usual allowances paid to naval officers serving at headquarters?
Mr. AlexanderI presume that the hon. and gallant Member has in mind the special duty allowance payable to officers serving at the Admiralty as part of the headquarters staff. The basis of this allowance is not cost of living but responsibility, and payment is dependent upon the actual performance of Admiralty headquarters staff duties, whether in London or elsewhere. Officers who are not performing Admiralty headquarters staff duties are not eligible for the allowance, even though they may live and work in London.
§ Commander GalbraithIs not my right hon. Friend aware that many of these officers who are serving in London are not receiving this allowance and are therefore in very serious financial difficulties, and that this is a matter of very great injustice? Will he not look into the matter again?
Mr. AlexanderI am always willing to look into a matter again, but I am assured that naval officers in many other stations consider their cost of living to be as high as that of London.
§ Commander GalbraithSurely that is not the case.