§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked whether hired men leaving the Royal dockyards after twenty-five years' service with good characters are eligible for the Imperial service medal; if not, what constitutes eligibility in the case of hired men; is there any period of service and any conditions entitling a hired man to receive the medal on vacating employment when reaching the age limit?
§ Mr. McKENNAOnly members of the established Civil Service of the State are eligible for the medal. A man who is on the hired list at the time of his retirement cannot, therefore, be granted the medal, whatever his length of service.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWould it not be possible to consider the matter with regard to the hired men?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe regulations are not made by the Admiralty.