asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in the reduction of 5½ per cent. in the pensions of naval officers, consideration has been given to the extra cost of rents, rates, education fees, etc., which are now entailed upon officers but to whom the Ministry of Labour index figure is not applicable, especially in regard to education?

In accordance with a Government decision of 1919, the revision of the retired pay of naval officers is based entirely upon the cost of living, as indicated by the Ministry of Labour index figure. That figure, as the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, is used in dealing with the bonus of the Civil Service, whatever the rate of their salary, and is also extensively used by municipal bodies, railway companies, banks, etc., for dealing with their salaried staffs.

Is it fair to deal with the officers of the Navy who have to pay for the education of their children in this way, when the index figure includes free education?

I fail to see why officers of the Navy should be treated any differently from other salaried people.

Is it not a fact that increases in the bonus have been paid to civil servants recently?

That does not arise here.