§ Mr. GOULDasked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to review the rates of pay and pensions of officers?
§ Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for War the reason for the reduction of the standard rates of half-pay and retired pay for Army officers by 7 per cent. as from 1st July next?
§ Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the recent reduction of officers' pensions?
§ Mr. SHAWStandard rates were fixed in July, 1919, for officers' pay and retired pay, and in accordance with the conditions then laid down these standard rates are subject to revision periodically upwards or downwards in relation to the variation in the cost of living. A revision is due as from 1st July next. At present the standard rates are subject to a reduction of 6 per cent. On the recognised basis of revision they would be subject to a reduction of 8 per cent. in lieu of this 6 per cent. from 1st July next, but it has been decided that the reduction shall be limited to 7 per cent. The question will be further considered at the end of twelve months.