§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he, can now inform the House if a pledge was given to the engineer-commanders of the Royal Navy that they should receive pay at the rate of 24s. a day on promotion to that rank; whether he is aware that the Admiralty circular letter of the 12th October, 1902, reads to this effect, and that the breaking of this pledge was a distinct breach of faith to the engineer-commanders; and, seeing that this breach of faith has created a feeling of injustice detrimental to one of the branches of His Majesty's naval service, will he say what action ho proposes to take?
§ Mr. McKENNAI assume that the Noble Lord refers to the circular letter of 19th December, 1902, and not to that, of 12th October, 1902, as stated in the question. On this assumption the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. There has not, however, been any breach of faith, as suggested in the second part of the question. The rate of pay laid down in the circular letter quoted has reference solely to engineer-officers advanced to the rank of engineer-commander under the regulations for 827 advancement then in force. Accelerated promotion was introduced temporarily by circular letter No. 187 of 1st November, 1903, but, as was clearly stated at the time, was not intended to carry with it any benefit as regards full pay. The qualification for advancement of engineer-lieutenants to the rank of engineer-commander required by the circular letter of 19th December, 1902, was eight years on the senior list, and, consequently, those engineer-lieutenants who have been or may be advanced after less than eight years on the senior list will not receive pay at the rate of 24s. a day until they have completed eight years on the lists of engineer-lieutenant (senior) and engineer-commander combined.