HC Deb 23 November 1911 vol 31 c1386
Mr. NORMAN CRAIG

asked if men recruited to the Royal Marine Light Infantry in 1866 were so recruited upon the assurance that, in addition, to the usual pension, they would, upon attaining the age of fifty-five years, receive the Greenwich Hospital age pension of 5d. a day, and upon attaining the age of sixty-five years receive the Greenwich Hospital age pension of 9d. a day; whether men so recruited were informed that the receipt of such pension on attaining the respective ages named would be conditional upon funds being available for the purpose; and whether a considerable number of men who had fulfilled the conditions entitling them to the Greenwich Hospital age pension were not in receipt of such pension?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

No assurance such as that suggested in the first part of the question was ever given by the Admiralty. It is quite true that a considerable number of men, eligible for age pensions in augmentation of their naval life pensions, cannot be assisted from Greenwich Hospital because the funds available are insufficient to provide for all. But I may remind the hon. Member that in recent years additions have been made to the funds at the disposal of the Admiralty.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman state how many of these men are qualified to receive Greenwich age pensions?

Dr. MACNAMARA

There are a number eligible, but none entitled.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

"Qualified" was my word.

Dr. MACNAMARA

"Eligible" was the word I used.