§ Moved, that the Bill be now read 2a.
§ LORD CHELMSFORDsaid, that his attention had been called to this subject that afternoon by a petition from some widows of naval medical officers, which he had declined to present because he thought that the petitioners asked for some concessions to which they had no claim. There were, 1360 however, some things for which they were anxious, which perhaps the noble Duke might be disposed to concede. One was that a trustee of this fund should be appointed to represent their interests; and the other that it should be understood—as he believed was the case—that the Admiralty would under this Bill have power to increase the pensions of medical officers, if the fund would bear it, to an amount above £26 13s. 4d.
§ THE DUKE OF SOMERSETsaid, that he was anxious to do all he could to satisfy the wishes of the annuitants, and at the same time protect the public interests. He would communicate with the noble Lord, and see what arrangement could be made to secure those objects.
§ LORD CHELMSFORDfelt very much indebted to the noble Duke for the answer which he had given.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday next.