HC Deb 24 January 1962 vol 652 cc23-4W
Mr. Callaghan

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty when the local overseas allowance for Mauritius was last increased; why the review promised in February, 1961, has not yet taken place; and if he will authorise an immediate increase, in view of the dissatisfaction felt by naval personnel in the island.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Local overseas allowance rates in Mauritius were last increased in September, 1960. In early 1961 the island was included in the programme of full-scale local overseas allowance reviews after representations that the new rates were inadequate, but there was no reason on the available evidence to give Mauritius priority over other areas. We have now received the detailed data about local prices that we had to ask for and any necessary change in the rates will be made as soon as the remaining work of assessment is complete. If any increase is found to be necessary, it will be awarded with effect from 1st January, 1962.