§ 59. Sir W. BULLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a National Reservist whose services had been taken over by the Admiralty, and who is thus deprived of an enlistment bounty, would be given facilities to resign his position in the Navy so that he may enlist in the Army in order to secure the bounty; and, if not, whether new regulations can be made to prevent the loss of the bounty in such cases?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)As regards the bounty referred to, the National Reserve was instituted for the benefit of the Army, and the bounty system was adopted to induce its members to join the Army. If, therefore, a National Reservist does not join the Army—for joining which he is offered a bounty—but elects to join the Navy—for which he is not offered a bounty—no bounty is paid. As far as is known, no application for transfer to the Army has yet been received from any National Reservist who has joined the Navy. Should such applications be put forward, each case would have to be decided on its own merits.