HC Deb 03 March 1919 vol 113 cc36-7
78. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve promoted for action in the face of the enemy to the rank of lieutenant-commander do not receive the pay of that rank, but remain so far as pay is concerned in the same position as if no promotion had been given; and will he consider the possibility of giving to officers so promoted the pay of their new rank?

Dr. MACNAMARA

The rule to which my hon. Friend refers is one which applies to all lieutenant-commanders Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve holding temporary commissions, the pay of a lieutenant-commander being limited to officers of the permanent Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who have completed eight years' seniority as a lieutenant.

My hon. Friend will realise that, as officers of the Royal Navy and of the permanent Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve cannot be promoted to lieutenant-commander, even for distinguished service in action, before completing eight years' seniority as lieutenant, it would not be fair to those officers to grant temporary lieutenant-commanders Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve the pay of a lieutenant-commander as well as the rank.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it the case that lieutenants who are awarded promotion have the privilege of paying for their stripes and nothing else?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No. We are dealing with officers to begin with. If they have not had eight years' seniority they do not get the pay, though they may get the title for distinguished service in the field.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

What do they get?

Dr. MACNAMARA

They get the title.

General Sir IVOR PHILIPPS

Does the right hon. Gentleman really mean that officers and men of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve promoted for distinguished service in the field get no benefit at all by that promotion except the right to pay for the stripe on their uniform?

Dr. MACNAMARA

No. My hon. and gallant Friend had better read the answer. What he is now saying refers to temporary naval officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

Sir E. CARSON

Is it not a fact that they get all the responsibility and no increased pay?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes. I should think that is quite true.