§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what reductions are proposed in naval and marine officers' pay; and whether these can be postponed, as the fall in the official figures of the cost of living does not affect naval and marine officers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe rates of pay of naval and marine officers, which are at present approximately 5½ per cent. below the rates fixed in 1919, will, in common with those of Army and Air Force officers, 401W be reduced to approximately 6 per cent. below the 1919 rates, as from the 1st July next. Details are contained in Admiralty Fleet Order No. 1400 of the 27th May. As regards the second part of the question, the basis on which the rates of pay of naval officers were settled by His 402W Majesty's Government in 1919 necessitates their adjustment in accordance with the official figures of the cost of living every three years after the adjustment made in July, 1924, and I see no reason for departing from the arrangement made in the former year.