§ MR. W. H. SMITHasked the Secretary to the Admiralty, If the Government have the power to retain time-expired men in the Navy, whether Seamen or Marines, and whether it is their intention to exercise that power; if it is, will some addition be made to the pay of the men during the period of their additional service, and a subsequent increase of pension be accorded to them proportionate to that prolongation of service, recommendations to that effect having been made by competent officers who, at the request of successive Boards of Admiralty, have considered and reported on the subject?
§ MR. CAINE(who replied) said: The Commanders-in-Chief on Foreign Stations have power to retain the services of time-expired seamen in the Navy in any emergency until such emergency shall have ceased. There is no intention to exercise such power at present; but, 1407 should it be exercised, extra pay of 2d. a-day would be given, and the additional time served would count for pension, in accordance with the Regulations. At home there is no power to retain the services of time-expired seamen, except by a Royal Proclamation. By law, time-expired men of the Marines can be retained on Foreign Stations for such further time, not exceeding two years, as shall be directed by the Commanding Officer. Should such power be exercised, the additional time served would count for pension, in accordance with the Regulations. The right hon. Gentleman is probably aware that it is open to certain classes in the Navy—petty officers of the seamen class, certain artificers, leading stokers, and stokers—-to re-engage voluntarily for a third term of service. The Regulations provide for an increase of pay and pension in such circumstances; 157 men have re-engaged since 1880 under the Regulations.