§ 20. Major WHELERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the desirability of allowing gratuities to the crews of those dockyard tugs which, though manned by civilians, performed similar work to those tugs which were manned by naval ratings, who are to receive gratuities?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAMen who received civil rates of pay are definitely excluded from the Naval war gratuity, and it is not proposed to depart from this principle, which has been adopted after full consideration of the circumstances of the case.
§ Major WHELERIs it not very hard on the crews of these tugs who were doing the same duty as naval ratings and exposed to the same dangers that just because they happen to be civilians they should be less well treated?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not because they are civilians. It is because they are receiving a civilian rate of pay, which is higher than the naval rate.
§ 21. Major WHELERasked whether it is intended to give war service medals to the crews of those dockyard tugs which, though manned by civilian crews, were employed in carrying out duties which in many cases brought them under the fire of enemy ships or batteries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThis matter has been and is still under consideration by the Admiralty. I am advised that an announcement may be anticipated at an early date.