HC Deb 27 January 1943 vol 386 cc488-9
36. Commander Galbraith

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the rates of pay of boys in the Royal Navy, and when these rates were fixed?

Mr. George Hall

The rates of pay are at present 9d. a day for boys, 2nd class, and 1s. 3d. a day for boys, 1st class, boy telegraphists and signal boys. These rates' were fixed in October, 1925. I am, however, row in a position to announce to the House, on behalf of the three Service Departments, that it has been decided to grant a war bonus of 6d. a day to all Service boys and apprentices, with effect from 1st January, 1943.

Sir A. Southby

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is possible for boys younger than these to work on aerodrome sites and get more pay than second lieutenants in the Army?

Major Lyons

Is it not correct to say that an increase of this nature cannot compare with the increases in industry anywhere in the country?

Viscountess Astor

Is it not a scandal that boys entering the Senior Service should be treated in this way? Is it not true that: they have no trade union to fight for, and protect, them?

Commander Galbraith

Is it not a fact that this increase of 6d. per day will not enable these boys to buy even the barest necessities?

Mr. Hall

This increase is based very largely upon the increases which were given to the adult serving men, and I am convinced it will be greatly appreciated by the boys.

Sir A. Southby

They will be deeply surprised to get any increase at all.