§ MR. BOWERMANI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state to what extent it is proposed to substitute pensioners for active service ratings in Home-service ships; do these men receive full pay and pension whilst serving; and is the engagement for a period of five years only.
§ MR. McKENNAPensioners are employed in certain stationary home establishments, such as barracks and training establishments. The extent to which this system will be authorised cannot be stated, as it depends on the varying requirements of the establishments, but it is practically limited by the duties which can be more economically and suitably carried out by pensioners than by active service ratings. They receive a weekly wage according to the nature of the work on which they are employed, in addition to their pensions. There is no period of engagement.