HC Deb 27 November 1914 vol 68 c1489
5. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the men of the Royal Marine Brigade are paid 8d. per day less than the men in the Royal Fleet Reserve, seeing that the men all do the same work?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The 8d. per day referred to by my hon. Friend appears to be the war retainer of that amount paid under the Regulations to Class B Reservists. These men have completed their active service engagement but are not pensioners. As, therefore, there was no lien on their services in time of war, it was necessary to offer them inducements to keep themselves proficient by periodical drills in time of peace, and secure the lien on their services in time of war.

Mr. THORNE

I ask my right hon. Friend is it not a fact that these Naval Brigade men are just as well qualified as the others, and is it not a fact that some of these men were sent to the Continent for the defence of Antwerp?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have not got the particulars by me just now.