HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 cc1260-1
29. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is prepared to extend to the locally-entered staffs employed in His Majesty's dockyard at Malta a uniform amount of war bonus regardless of the amount of basic pay up to £850 per annum, as has been agreed on the National Whitley Council for British civil servants.

Mr. Alexander

The scheme of war bonus applicable to the locally-entered staff in H.M. Dockyard, Malta, is that in force for the corresponding staffs of the Malta Government and of the other Service Departments. This scheme represents the results of exhaustive examination given to the subject as recently as last autumn and based upon local conditions in Malta.

Mr. Brown

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of indignation in Malta both about the amount of war bonus and about the way it operates, and ought not his Department, as the biggest employer on the Island, to set an example?

Mr. Alexander

I am aware of the extent of employment given by the Admiralty in Malta but it is obvious that these local persons must be considered, through the Colonial Office, in relation to all the conditions of employment in the Island.