§ 8. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for War by how much the cost of living has risen since the present rates of Army pay and allowances were fixed; and what action he is taking to review these rates.
§ Mr. HeadThe Interim Index of Retail Prices for September, 1950, when the present rates of pay were introduced, was 114; the corresponding figure for May, 1953, was 140. I keep a very close watch on Army pay and allowances.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as these men and their wives have no trade union, he ought to put in for a wage increase for them from the Treasury? Has he done so, or considered doing it, in view of the very substantial increase in the cost of living that has taken place?
§ Mr. HeadI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the thoughts passing through his head are not absent from mine.