§ 24. Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Civil 1478 servants who served in the Anti-Aircraft Corps during the War have been denied the Grant of the gratuity given to soldiers and sailors on demobilisation; on what grounds these men have been excluded; and whether, in view of the fact that these men were duly enlisted in the Royal Navy, took the oath of allegiance, and undertook very arduous service during the War, he will give instructions that the gratuity is to be paid to them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMy Noble Friend's question apparently refers to Civil servants who served in the Anti-Aircraft Corps for part time only and were paid at half naval rates. These men were able, I am advised, to carry on their own businesses during the War, receiving their Naval pay in addition to their civilian earnings. While the Admiralty do not underestimate the services rendered by them, they do not regard these men as having a claim to war gratuity, having regard to the fact that they had not to incur the expenses on re-settlement which faced the ordinary demobilised member of the Forces.