§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Under-Secretary of State, for Air if he will give particulars of the proposed reduction in the pay of the Royal Air Force officers which are to come into operation in July next?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThe standard rates of pay and retired pay for officers of the Royal Air Force were fixed with reference to the index figure of the cost of living as assessed for July, 1919, and are subject to periodical revision as that figure rises and falls. The last revision took effect from 1st July, 1927, and another is due on 1st July, 1930. The standard rates would then be subject to a reduction of 8 per cent., instead of the current reduction of 6 per cent., if the rule regarding variation were strictly applied. It has been decided, however, that the reduction shall be limited to approximately 7 per cent., for a period of 12 months, after which the matter will be further considered.