§ 15. Dr. M'DONALDasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that engineer-commanders, retired just before the War were re-called as engineer-captains, and received the pay of engineer- 918 captains together with a bonus of 25 per cent., while engineer-commanders due to retire just after War broke out were not allowed to retire, and that, in consequence, the pay of the officer who retired and that of the one not allowed to retire are now respectively £912 and £638 per annum, and that, in some cases, the total difference in pay received by such officers since August, 1914, exceeds £1,000; and whether some steps will be taken to mitigate this treatment of those officers who were not allowed to retire?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe statements in the earlier part of the question correctly set forth the facts. Whilst it is true that an engineer-captain could receive, with bonus, £912 a year, and whilst an engineer-commander might not receive more than £638 a year, it is not possible, without analysing individual cases, to say whether the difference of pay since August, 1914, has in any case exceeded my hon. Friend's estimate. In any case, the question of the officers on whose behalf my hon. Friend appeals, is before the Board.