HC Deb 13 November 1912 vol 43 c1963
6. Captain FABER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he still proposes to deal with the pay of the Navy during the present autumn?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Member on the 30th of last month.

Captain FABER

Will it be in the present Session?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Yes, before Christmas.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last time but one he spoke he told us that he would make this statement early after the meeting of the House in October? Has the right hon. Gentleman anything to say in answer to that?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have already answered that. I will make a statement shortly. It is in the interests of all parties concerned in this question of increasing the pay of sailors in the Royal Navy that the scheme should be fully worked out, and statements one way or the other should not be repeated in questions.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he told me he was unable to accept the suggestion to appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into this very question because it was not necessary as all the materials were at hand? Is that so?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Certainly. All the materials were and are at hand. The only thing to be decided were the exact details.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make this announcement as soon as possible, as he will be leaving office so soon?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I do not know if I am to interpret from that question that the question of increasing the pay of the Navy is a party matter.