§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any intention to reduce the pay of retired officers as from July next; if so, for what reason, since the cost-of-living figure has risen, thus increasing the pay of civil servants and others whose salaries are in fixed ratio to the cost of living; and, if so, why is it proposed to make this distinction between retired officers of the Army and Navy and other servants of the State?
§ Mr. SHAWAs regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer to my answer on 28th January last, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy. As regards the remainder of the question, the hon. and gallant Member seems to be under a misapprehension. The rates of pay and retired pay of Army officers were fixed for a period of three years from July, 1927, on the basis of a cost-of-living figure of 74. On the normal basis of calculation, Army officers' pay and retired pay should have been fixed from 1st July next in relation to a cost-of-living figure of 65, but in view of the decision to retain the Civil Service bonus for the six months ending 31st March next on the basis of a cost-of-living figure of 70, it has been specially decided to use the same basis of 70 in the revision of Army officers' pay and retired pay. The question will be further considered at the end of 12 months.