§ 23. Mr. WILKIEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that there exists a desire on the part of some officers and men to retire on pension at the age of 55 or over, in particular those who have returned from overseeing and surveying duties; and whether he will issue instructions to allow of these special cases being considered and forwarded to the Admiralty for approval?
§ Mr. AMERYI assume that the hon. Member refers to dockyard officers and workmen. Pensions can be awarded only in accordance with the Superannuation Acts, and under these Acts men under 60 cannot be retired with pension except in cases of invalidity or abolition of office; therefore, even if it were thought desirable to do so, it would not be possible to meet the hon. Member's wishes in this matter without further legislation.
§ Mr. WILKIESeeing that we are discharging so many men from the dockyards, would not it be possible to retire those men, who are willing to retire before their time, instead of others being discharged, thereby effecting a saving to the nation?
§ Mr. AMERYI understand that when there are reductions a certain number of workmen are given the option of retiring before their time on pension, though subject to liability to recall to service if there is again an enlargement of the establishment.