64. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why, and when, lodging allowance is paid to naval officers, and what is the amount paid to them.
§ Captain PilkingtonA naval officer is ordinarily provided with Service accommodation on a single basis. When, however, this is not available and he has to provide private accommodation for himself he is eligible for payment of lodging allowance except when he is a married officer living with his wife, when payment of marriage allowance is made in lieu of lodging allowance. The rates of lodging allowance normally payable both at home and abroad are:
Captains and above £100 a year.
Lieutenants, Lieutenant-Commanders and Commanders £80 a year.
Sub-Lieutenants and Warrant Officers £60 a year.
But in the United Kingdom the rate was recently increased to £100 a year for all officers for the duration of the war. Abroad the standard rates are supplemented where necessary by a colonial or cost-of-living allowance.
Vice-Admiral TaylorSince lodging allowance is provided for a specific purpose, that is, when no official quarters are provided for an officer, does my hon. and gallant Friend realise that there is no connection whatever between lodging allowance and marriage allowance?
§ Captain PilkingtonI must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Debate in this House last week when it was fully and exhaustively dealt with.
Miss RathboneWould it not greatly facilitate the marriage allowance reaching the person for whom it is intended, if it was sent to the wife and not given to the husband?