§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 2362W what percentage increase since July, 1914, is the war bonus for the Civil Service fixed now; and what is the estimated figure for 1st September on which the Post Office is basing its calculations and which was taken into account by it in estimating the cost to the Post Office of the war bonus this financial year at £28,000,000?
Mr. YOUNGThe bonus paid to the Civil Service is at present fixed with reference to the average of the cost of living, figures for the first of the months November, 1920, to February, 1921, inclusive, and is accordingly based on an increase of 165 per cent, on the cost of living in July, 1914. For the six months beginning the 1st September next the estimated figure is 125 per cent.