58. Dr. Bennettasked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reason the rates of local overseas allowance in Malta for officers are now as much as 3s. 6d. a day below those of noncommissioned officers, and chiefs and petty officers; why that for officers has recently been reduced by up to 3s. 9d. per day at the same time as that for men has been increased by up to 1s. 9d.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThe reason is that the difference between the cost of accommodation in the United Kingdom and in Malta is far greater for married ratings than for married officers. The rates of local overseas allowance for officers have been reduced mainly because, since the rates were fixed previously, there has been a marked decrease in the difference between rents in Malta and rents in the United Kingdom for officers. There has been no similar decrease in the comparative rents paid by ratings.
Lieutenant commanders and junior officers, and leading seamen and below receive the basic rates to which additions are made in the case of senior officers and ratings. These additions vary according to the amount of the basic rate.