§ 14. Mr. HOHLERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that pensioners and time-expired men of the Royal Marines are being refused discharge for the reason that these men are 1711 tradesmen, e.g., bootmakers and the like, and that in answer to their application for discharge they are told—Supply someone to take your place and you can go tomorrow; and will he either order the immediate discharge of these men or pay them the wages they would receive in civil life?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)The clothing and boots for Royal Marines are all made in our own workshops. On the outbreak of war a number of active service men employed in these shops had to be released for more active employment, their places being taken by pensioners and specially enlisted men. As it is necessary still to keep up the supply of clothing and boots, it is necessary to retain these men until reliefs can be found for them, and I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that every effort is being made to obtain suitable men to release those due for demobilisation. I should add that these tradesmen, in addition to their military pay and allowances, all earn extra pay according to the work they do.
§ Mr. HOHLERWill my right hon. Friend state what is the amount of extra pay they earn? Has it any relation to that in civil life?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI do not say that, but over and above their military pay and allowances, tailors and shoemakers in Royal Marine barracks are earning on an average: tailors, by piece work, 29s. a week; shoemakers, 15s. 6d.
§ Mr. HOHLERDoes my right hon. Friend realise that these men in civil life would get at least £3 a week, and, in view of their service, ought they not to be the first to be considered?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes, and my hon. and learned Friend will notice I have said that every effort is being made to obtain suitable men so that these men due for demobilisation shall be released.