§ 79. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make any, statement to the House concerning the proposal to grant pensions to hired men in His Majesty's dockyards?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs I have already informed the hon. Gentleman, at recent hearings of the workmen's petitions the question has been raised as to whether it would be practicable to frame a self-supporting superannuation scheme for employés not entitled to a retiring allowance under the scheme of establishment. We have given the men an undertaking that the Board of Admiralty will have the matter examined, and advise them as to the weekly contribution they would probably have to make to such a scheme. Our inquiries have not yet reached a stage which would enable us to make the further communication promised.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHas the attention of the hon. Gentleman been drawn to a statement in the Press on this matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; but the statements made are entirely premature. I am bound to say that I was sorry to see them, because they raise hopes that may not be realised. I should be very loath to do that under any circumstances.
§ Mr. WHELERCan the hon. Gentleman make any statement-
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIn regard to the Self-Supporting Superannuation Scheme?
§ Mr. WHELERYes.
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am afraid not.