asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of any dissatisfaction amongst the N.C.Os. of the Army, caused by their not having received increases in pay, recently awarded to the privates; and, if so, if he will state if he proposes to grant increases in pay to these ranks.

I am not aware of any dissatisfaction amongst the non-commissioned officers of the Army caused by their not having received increases in pay recently awarded to the privates. In point of fact, all noncommissioned officers were granted an increase in pay of 6d. per diem as from 29th September, 1942, to be treated as deferred pay and to become payable after the termination of the present emergency.