§ Lady Apsleyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the uniform allowance in the W.R.N.S.; how it compares with the similar allowances in the A.T.S. and the W.A.A.F.; and whether he is aware that it is regarded by the W.R.N.S. as inadequate.
Mr. AlexanderI assume the hon. Member refers to the initial outfit allowance for blue uniform for W.R.N.S. officers, as ratings receive their initial outfit of uniform in kind. This allowance is £50, the same as the allowance hitherto paid to similar officers of the A.T.S. and the W.A.A.F. Their allowance has recently been increased to £55, and the question of whether an increase should be made in the grant of the 769W W.R.N.S. officer is under active consideration. I am unable to accept the view expressed in the last part of the Question.