Captains (Pay)

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at on 15 December 1942.

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Photo of Mr Robert Morrison Mr Robert Morrison , Tottenham North

asked the Secretary of State for War whether consideration is being given to improving the pay of captains whose present rate of 16s. 6d. per day compares unfavourably with the old rate of 19s., and with the present rate for a major of 28s. 6d. per day?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement by the Lord President of the Council on 26th November that captains who have completed three years' service in the rank will be eligible for 17s. 6d. a day.

Photo of Mr James Milner Mr James Milner , Leeds South East

Is it not a fact that this will only apply to those who have been so inefficient that they have been three years in one rank, and that there will be very few eligible? Is not that so?

Photo of Major Sir Frank Markham Major Sir Frank Markham , Nottingham South

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are few captains eligible for the rise in pay of 1s. a day for captains of three years' service recently announced; and whether, in order to make the concession of practical value, he will extend it to all captains of two years in that rank?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

I regret I cannot accept my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion.

Photo of Major Sir Frank Markham Major Sir Frank Markham , Nottingham South

Is it not a fact that there are so few officers to whom this increase of pay has been given that the whole thing is slightly farcical and creates an impression among officers that what the War Office and the Treasury are trying to do is to give a paper concession which in reality provides no concession at all?

Photo of Sir James Grigg Sir James Grigg , Cardiff East

I do not accept that statement of the case. This matter was fully investigated, and a statement of policy was made by the Lord President of the Council, to which I have nothing to add.