HC Deb 10 February 1915 vol 69 cc549-50
9. Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will explain why the wife of a soldier will receive a higher rate of pension than the wife of a naval man in the event of their husbands being killed in action?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The Noble Lord appears to be under a misapprehension. Both on the pre-War scale, on the scale of the White Paper of 9th November last, and under the recommendation of the Select Committee, the widow of the sailor will receive equal treatment in respect of pension with the widow of the soldier.

13. Mr. PERKINS

asked whether retired pay is being given, in addition to active pay, to all ratings in the Royal Navy who are in receipt of a pension and have been called out for active service?

Dr. MACNAMARA

All seamen and Marines in receipt of pensions who have been called up for active service are allowed to draw both pay and pension while serving.

Mr. PERKINS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this includes carpenters?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I should like to have notice of that question.

16. Mr. FALLE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that chief gunnery instructors (pensioners and others) are not receiving their full pay by 6d. and other amounts daily, although the ring paper promises the continuous pay of the rating in which you serve and actually do duty; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am not aware of any such cases. If any man is opinion that he is not being paid the rates of pay to which he is entitled he should represent the matter to his commanding officer in the usual Service manner.

14. Mr. PERKINS

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the advisability of paying the maximum rate of lodging allowance to officers attached to naval forces serving ashore in this country, in view of the fact that junior officers' pay is only two-thirds of the pay of corresponding ranks in the Army?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The lodging allowance payable under the King's Regulations to naval officers compelled to reside on shore is not an emolument in the nature of pay, but is granted to defray the actual reasonable expenses of lodging. In cases where owing to special circumstances it has been established that the ordinary allowance is inadequate to meet such necessary expenses, a corresponding increase has been allowed.