§ Mr. Benn Levyasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make about the future of Mediterranean, Far Eastern and Colonial Allowances.
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir. We are taking steps to carry out a review of the position at all stations abroad in order to determine the amount, if any, of Local Overseas Allowance necessary to enable Service personnel to meet essential extra expenditure, as compared with their expenditure at home. The allowance will take account of all such extra expenditure, including that in respect of items covered in this country by marriage allowance or the new composite lodging allowance, and it is hoped that the new rates will be introduced from the 1st January, 1947. The revision is being carried out on an inter-Service basis. The new Pay and Allowances Codes will come into operation on 1st July. 1946, and during the interim period to the 1st January, 1947, the existing rates of Mediterranean and Far East allowances will be continued. The existing Army and R.A.F. rates of Colonial Allowance will also be continued in this interim period. Colonial Allowance for Naval personnel present some differences, however, and are under separate consideration.