Sir C. YATESasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air if he can state the calculations on which the reduction of 271½ per cent. of the variable 20 per cent. of the pay of officers of the Royal Air Force is based, showing how the amount is arrived at and what items have been taken into consideration?
§ Mr. LEACHThe reduction of 27½ per cent. upon the variable 20 per cent. of the pay represents the fall that has taken place in the cost of living since July, 1919. In that month the cost of living was approximately 107½ per cent. above that for July, 1914; the corresponding average figure for the six months preceding March, 1924, was 77 per cent., which shows that the cost of living has fallen 30½ points on 107½, or more than 27½ points on 100. As regards the items taken into consideration, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty on 14th May and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War on 13th May.