44. Lieut.-Commander clark Hutchisonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will consider raising the service pensions of officers and men of the R.N.
Mr. AlexanderNaval officers' retired pay has already been largely adjusted in relation to the change in the cost of living by the operation of the Pensions Increase Scheme which affects retired pay of less than £6oo a year. Naval ratings are, for the most part, in receipt of pensions on the 1919 scale. These were based on a cost of living figure higher than that prevailing today, and have suffered no cost of living cuts. Nevertheless, they are eligible for increases of up to 30 per cent, subject to the usual conditions of age, and means, under the Pensions Increase Scheme.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonWill the First Lord consider reviewing this matter in connection with postwar Service conditions?
Mr. AlexanderThe whole of the postwar conditions are under examination, and I will have a look at the proposals as soon as they come up, to see how the position of retired pay is affected.