HC Deb 20 February 1919 vol 112 cc1164-5W
Sir HERBERT NIELD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has considered the present inadequacy of naval officers' pay, having regard not only to the fact that the cost of living and the maintenance of their dependants has been so largely increased, and also to the recent legislation affecting the distribution of prize money, whereby, owing to the large augmentation of the naval forces consequent upon the War, the share of prize money has been spread over the whole Service, and the share of each individual member has been reduced to an in significant sum, while officers' pay continues to be based on the conditions which obtained when prize money formed the principal reward?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have already explained that Admiral Jerram's Committee is dealing with the question of naval officers' pay. As regards prize money, my hon. and learned Friend is not correct in suggesting that prior to the present War prize money was the principal reward to officers. When prize money was awarded to the actual captors only, the recipients were necessarily very few in number as compared with those who will participate now. In any case, the consideration of the question of naval officers' pay will be quite apart from the expectation to share in prize money.

Sir HERBERT NIELD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the increased pay or remuneration given since the War to all operative employés of the Admiralty, as well as to the general body of artisans and workers throughout industry, to meet the increased cost of maintenance, he will reconsider the basis of naval officers' pay and ensure that they and their dependants shall not be worse off than other Government servants or the working community generally?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Admiral Jerram's Committee which is dealing with the pay of naval ratings, is also charged with the consideration of officers' pay.