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Officers' Pay

Volume 388: debated on Friday 2 April 1943

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37.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers of lieutenant-commander rank and above have received any increase in their basic rate of pay since the commencement of the war; and, if not, the date on which their pay was fixed at the present level?

The answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. For lieutenant-commanders, commanders and captains, the present rates of pay were fixed in 1938, when additional increments at nine and twelve years' seniority for lieutenant-commanders and at twelve years' seniority for commanders were introduced. For higher ranks the rates were fixed in 1934.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that since the pay of these officers was stabilised there has been a very large increase in the cost of living, and does he not consider that the time has come when the whole situation should be reviewed?

There have been certain adjustments; for example, in the case of the marriage allowance; but the question of dealing with officers of this rank and upwards is one that is not confined to the Navy, but one which would have to be dealt with in common with the other Services.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the method by which the marriage allowance was introduced did in fact cause a 2s. a day reduction in the pay of the officers in question?

The marriage allowance is not subject to taxation and that, of course, in these days of high taxation, means some advantage to the officers.

Will my right hon. Friend undertake to discuss this matter with the other Services?