§ Sir R. SANDERSasked the Secretary of State for War what is the approximate difference in the cost of the Army Estimates provided in 1914–15 and 1925–26, exclusive of the Air Arm, after allowance has been made for the rise in prices and in wages, and the non-effective 2570W Vote has been deducted, so as to make a true pre-War comparison?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSAfter deducting the provision for aviation in 1914–15 and for non-effective charges in both years, but making no allowance for any other changes, the net provision in 1925–26 is £36,681,000, as compared with £23,888,000 in 1914–15. It would not be possible without much labour to arrive accurately at the true comparison for which my right hon. and gallant Friend asks, but he is no doubt aware that the rates of Army pay are now on the average more than twice what they were before the War, and that the official index figure for the cost of living stands at 75 per cent. above the pre-War level.