HC Deb 03 May 1911 vol 25 cc412-3
Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the pay per day of an engineer-commander during his first two years' service in that rank?

Mr. McKENNA

The pay is 24s. a day, subject to the completion of sixteen years from date of promotion to engineer-lieutenant, but if he has not completed that period he remains on the scale of pay provided for engineer-lieutenants. In this connection, I must refer the hon. Member to the Written Answer I gave to the Noble Lord the Member for Portsmouth on 9th March last.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there was a circular-letter issued on 12th October, 1902, containing a proviso as to the length of period of service, and fixing the minimum rate of pay for engineer-commanders at 24s. a day, and that the money to meet this increase appeared on the Estimates for 1903–4 and 1904–5?

Mr. McKENNA

The hon. Gentleman is going back to a period long before I was in office. I prefer that the hon. Member should give me notice of the question, which relates to the acts of my predecessor.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Were the engineer-commanders given distinctly to understand by the circular that they were to receive 24s. a day, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is very unfair to those officers that, after they had been given to understand that their pay was to be 24s. a day, it should be reduced from 24s. to 18s. per day.

Mr. McKENNA

I can only remind the Noble Lord that the pledge was given in 1902, and I must have time to refresh my memory before I admit any such claim. If the pledge was given it would seem to have been broken in the time of the late Government. I will refresh my memory before I answer the question.

Mr. BURGOYNE

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is endeavouring to evade the responsibilities of his office?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not in the least evading them. I only ask for notice in regard to a question relating to matters in 1902.