61. Mr. T. WILSONasked whether a man who served as a ship's joiner in the Navy is entitled to the war gratuity; if not, will he state the reason why, in view of the fact that electricians, boilermakers, and engineers who served under the same agreement, but were ranked as temporary officers, are entitled to the gratuity, and whether he will favourably consider the possibility of making a ship's joiner eligible?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)If my hon. Friend's question relates to a ship's joiner who served under the special 2695 form of Mercantile Agreement known as T. 124, or one of its variants, the answer is in the negative. These men are excluded in view of the rate of pay received, the naval war gratuity being issuable only to naval ratings who received pay at naval rates.
Mr. WILSONDid not the right hon. Gentleman some time ago promise to consider the right of these men to be included?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe whole matter has been considered again and again.