CAPTAIN PRICE (Devenport)asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, Whether a Marine pensioner is not allowed to serve in a band on board one of Her Majesty's Ships, without giving up his pension, whereas an Army pensioner is allowed to do so; whether he is aware that recently three bandsmen (pensioners) applied for service on board H.M.S. Royal Adelaide; that two of these were pensioners from the Marines, and known to the bandmaster as good musicians, whilst the third was a line bandsman; that the two Marines were unable to serve without giving up their pensions, whilst the Army pensioner was engaged, and is now serving and receiving his pension in addition to his pay; and, whether there are several 542 other cases of a similar kind; and what is the reason for this difference of treatment between the Marines and the Line?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. FORWOOD) (Lancashire, Ormskirk)The entry of Marine pensioners as bandsmen, or in other ratings, is quite exceptional. As a rule, the terms offered in such cases involve a surrender of pension while receiving full naval pay; but it is quite optional on the part of the pensioner to accept or refuse the proposals. In respect to the band of the Royal Adelaide, two Marine pensioners declined the terms proposed. An Army pensioner has joined the band, and does, as I am informed, continue to receive his pension from the War Office. I do not know of any other cases of a similar kind.