§ 7. Commander Viscount CURZONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make any statement as to the decision of the Admiralty with regard to the pay of officers of the Royal Navy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAs my Noble Friend knows, the Admiralty it commendations are before the War Cabinet. While I am not in a position to announce a decision to-day, I think I may safely say that it will be announced at a very early date.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the intense feeling of the lower deck at the delays in connection with the officers' pay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI quite realise the spirit of comradeship which subsists between the lower deck and the officers, and I quite believe the lower deck desires the earliest decision in the matter, but whatever delay there has been has been unavoidable. I have hope of a decision at a very early date.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEThe right hon. Gentleman gave me the same answer some time ago. Is he not now in a position to name a date?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo, I am sorry to say I cannot. I should be glad if I could.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAs the delay is no fault of the officers will the increase be made retrospective?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is now anticipating a decision on one of the matters which will have to be considered.