§ Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the payment of marriage allowance and children's allowances to all naval ratings over 22 years of age, in view of the number of junior ratings who are now in receipt of the new rates of pay; whether he is aware that the weekly rate of pay of an able seaman of 23 years of age is 23s. 4d. per week, and that many are married and have children; that ratings in receipt of marriage allowance perform the same duties as those not in receipt of the extra emolument; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made from the various service benevolent funds as to the distress which exists amongst the families of naval ratings not in receipt of marriage allowance?
Mr. ALEXANDERAfter careful consideration I regret that I am not prepared to recommend any alteration. I would add that the weekly rate of full pay of 23s. 4d. quoted by the hon. Member takes no account of additions to full pay which may be earned by ratings.