HC Deb 26 February 1919 vol 112 cc1725-6
25. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that retired officers of the Royal Marine Light Infantry who at the outbreak of war were called upon to rejoin the Service were given the pay of their rank and certain allowances, but were deprived of their pensions; whether a similar course was taken in the case of Army officers; and, if not, will be explain why a difference was made between the two Services?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Retired officers of the Royal Marines who, at the outbreak of the War, were called up for service, ceased to draw retired pay from the date of recall and received instead the full pay plus 25 per cent. of full pay and allowances of their rank. Army officers similarly situated received their pension in addition to their full pay. The rule under which retired officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines when called up for service ceased to draw retired pay dates back for very many years.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it not the fact that the position of the Army officer is very much in advance of the Naval officer?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I have said that Army officers, similarly situated, received their pension in addition to their full pay, whilst the Royal Marine retired officers, sent for, ceased to draw retired pay and, instead, received the full pay plus 25 per cent. of full pay and the allowances of their rank.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Which is the better?