§ 15. Mr. CROOKSasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that men who volunteered for the Mercantile Marine Reserve worked under naval discipline and were engaged in such work as mine-laying, he will consider the possibility of these men being awarded the gratuity as in the case of Service men?
Dr. MACNAMARMAIn view of the special nature of their emoluments, it is not proposed to issue to men of the Mercantile Marine Reserve the naval war gratuity awarded to men who received naval rates of pay.
Mr. J. JONESIs he aware that numbers of these men have been torpedoed four and five times, and have made as much sacrifice as any other section of the community?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe are all very grateful to them, and fully aware of the sacrifices made by these men, but I would like to send my hon. Friend a reasoned statement of the decision which I have announced.