asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that certain revised rates of pay and allowances have recently been approved for married officers of the Royal Air Force Service in India; and whether he will consider whether similar increases in pay and allowances should be granted to married naval officers serving in foreign stations?

As regards the first part of the question, my attention has been drawn to a statement to this effect which has been published in the Press. This and other relevant matters are being borne in mind in connection with the grant of marriage allowance to officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Does the hon. Member think that he will be in a position to make some definite announcement in regard to marriage allowances for naval officers before the end of the present Session?

I cannot answer that question myself. I hope so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the officers of the Royal Air Force serving in aircraft carriers receive marriage allowance and leave allowance, both of these allowances being denied at present to the naval officers, he can inform the House if there is any hope that the marriage allowance will be granted to naval officers shortly?

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the fact to which he refers is being borne in mind, but I regret that I am not at present in a position to make any further statement as regards the granting of marriage allowance to naval officers.

Viscountess ASTOR:

The right hon. Gentleman keeps saying that this is borne in his mind. Can he say whether it is borne in the minds of the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

I am afraid that I can only answer for my own mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman sure of his own mind?

Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy.

I have called the next question.