HC Deb 22 April 1926 vol 194 cc1407-8W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the cost per head to the nation of keeping each officer, each petty officer, and each rating in His Majesty's Navy?

Mr. DAVIDSON

The average cost of pay and allowances of each officer, each petty officer, and each rating is approximately £475, £194, and £101, respectively. Other charges, such as victualling, medical, travelling, etc., average approximately £60 in each case: The figures given do not cover liability in respect of retired pay and pension, and as the bulk of the officers and men normally live in His Majesty's ships, nothing is included for accommodation.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is the cost per head to the nation of keeping each officer, each non-commissioned officer, and each airman in His Majesty's Air Force?

Sir S. HOARE

To quote a flat rate of cost per officer, per non-commissioned officer and per airman would be difficult and misleading. The cost varies not only with the particular rank or grading within each of these classes, but also with other factors, such as whether the individual is serving at home or abroad, whether he is married or single, and whether he draws cash allowances or is provided with quarters, rations, etc. in kind. The hon. and gallant Member will find in Appendix 3 to the current Air Estimates details of the daily and yearly rates of pay of officers, non-commissioned officers and airmen serving at home, and I hope that these will be sufficient for his purpose.