§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be read a second time."
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)Let me explain in two or three sentences the purposes of this small emergency Bill. The War Office may extend the period of the service of soldiers whose engagements expire during war time. The Admiralty already has similar power 1263 to extend the service of seamen. As regards Marines, our power is limited to the case of Marines serving abroad on foreign stations, under Section 5 of the Royal Marines Act of 1847. This Bill extends the provision as regards Marines to the provision already existing with regard to soldiers and seamen. I should add that the Marine will not draw his pension during the period of extended service, but if he has not earned his maximum pension, the additional time will come for increase.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House for To-morrow.—[Mr. Gulland.]