§ 13. Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that up to December, 1917, a naval pensioner called up for service could obtain the good conduct medal and the long-service medal by adding the v.g.'s obtained by him as pensioner to the v.g. of his previous service; will he state whether the Admiralty have now deprived pensioners and those compulsorily retained for service of this benefit; and. if so, will he at once take steps to restore it to them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAPensionable service only is allowed to qualify for the award of a long service and good conduct medal, and as the pension concessions promulgated in 1917 were conditional on subsequent service (while in receipt of both pay and pension) not counting towards further increase of pension, time for medal ceased to reckon also.
It has since been decided that men who would benefit by the application of the old pension regulations may continue to count their service for both pension and medal purposes up to the date of their demobilisation. Men who benefit under the new regulations are necessarily subject to the condition attached thereto.
§ Mr. HOHLERDo I understand there has been no alteration in the Regulations with regard to pensions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy hon. and learned Friend had better read the second paragraph of the answer, and then, if he wants to put another question, I shall be glad to answer him.