§ Mr. Walker-Smithasked the Secretary of State for War for what reason an instruction has been given that officers in 49W S.E.A.C., other than India and Australia, are to revert to Royal Warrant (British) rates of pay with effect from 12th February, 1946.
§ Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the recent official announcement made to officers and men in S.E.A.C., that their pay is to revert from Indian to United Kingdom rates and of the dissatisfaction this has caused; and, in view of the higher cost of living, whether he will reconsider this decision.
§ Flight-Lieutenant Haireasked the Secretary of State for War when the decision was taken to revert the pay of officers and other ranks serving in S.E.A.C. from Indian rates to United Kingdom rates; and what further compensation he proposes to introduce in this command to alleviate the higher cost of living in India and the Far East generally.
§ Mr. LawsonI am not aware of any such instruction. As stated in the recent White Paper on postwar emoluments, the question of the treatment of British Service personnel on Indian rates of pay is being examined by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of India. In the meantime, it is not proposed to make any change, and the command is being so informed.