§ 28. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, whether he is aware that the coastguards and auxiliary coastguards have not yet received the increase in basic pay which, under agreement, is due to them from January last; that, while some delay in payment is accepted as inevitable, this period is considered excessive; when payment will be made; and whether interest on the moneys due will be added to the sums forthcoming.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe award of increased pay to regular and auxiliary coastguards was only announced on 16th August last. Since then, it has been necessary to calculate the sums due to each individual man. Payment of arrears was made to all regular coastguards on 28th October; payment to auxiliary coastguards will be completed in ten days time. It is the general practice not to allow interest on arrears, when an increase of pay is made retrospective. That practice will, in this case, also be observed.