3 SEPTEMBER 1965, Page 13

Middle-Class Economics

SIR,--I have recently been subjected to some passion- ate arguments in favour of higher pay for officers. The argument is that present scales are too low for the job and rank held (all have overdrafts, etc. etc.).

The one passionate complaint put with precision and emotion, if not obvious relevance, is that `to keep up the standard tq which we are accustomed' the pay must be increased. To reinforce this point the non-commissioned ranks are singled out with jealous spite as being materially better off.

As a civilian struggling with ever-increasing tax burdens these arguments for, higher pay all unre- lated to normal national economic forces seem incredible. Is there a moral in this; can you suggest one?

R. B. WHITMORE

27b Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire