HC Deb 19 April 1920 vol 128 cc51-2W
Mr. DOYLE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, inasmuch as 10s. 6d. was the pre-war lodging allowance during annual drill and 10s. annual allowance for upkeep of kit of the Royal Fleet Reserve men, what increase, if any, has been made to meet the higher cost of living, material, etc.?

Sir J. CRAIG

Prior to the War lodging allowance was payable to Royal Fleet Reserve men during annual drill at the rate of 4d. a day. Royal Fleet Reserve men now receive lodging allowance on the same scale as Royal Navy ratings, the present rates being 2s. a day for Chief Petty Officers and 1s. 6d. a day for other ratings. The 10s. annual allowance referred to is not, strictly speaking, an " upkeep allowance," but an allowance paid in lieu of a free kit on enrolment. In view of the exemption of Reservists from drill during the present year it has been decided to defer the consideration of the question of increasing this allowance until next financial year.