HC Deb 14 August 1919 vol 119 cc1632-3
79. Sir R. NEWMAN

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B, was the only-branch of the Navy that had received no-increase of pay arising out of the Jerram Report; whether their retaining pay and retiring gratuity had been raised or whether they remained the same as before the War; and, if they had not been raised, whether, in consideration of the valuable services rendered by this branch of the Navy during the War, the same consideration would be accorded to their claim as had been accorded to other branches of the Navy?

Dr. MACNAMARA

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Men of the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B, if still mobilised when the new rates of pay were introduced, received those rates on the same scale as the active service ratings; and when in future they are mobilised they will again receive the new rates. Their peace retainer and gratuity remain as before the War. Claims for an increase of retainer and gratuity were heard by Admiral Jerram's Committee, which did not recommend it.

Sir A. BENN

May I ask whether the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B, had any representative on the Consultative Committee attached to Admiral Jerram's Committee?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I cannot say off hand. Their case was put; their claims for increased pay were heard by Admiral Jerram. and no change was recommended.

Sir A. S. BENN

Will the Admiralty have the position of the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B, fully looked into, if the facts arc laid before them?