§ 24. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the welfare decision, promulgated in Admiralty Fleet Order 1,703, item No. 4, stating that the first period of 12 years is not considered 435 pensionable service unless the engagement to complete the time for pension is entered upon, he will state the amount received by the Admiralty in respect of pension liability on account of active service ratings loaned to the Colonial navies during the last five years; whether this money has been deducted from the pay and allowances of the men so loaned; and, having in view Article 368 K.R. and A.I., whether it is proposed to take steps to refund to any such men who do not reengage to complete the time for pension, or who are discharged before the expiration of their engagements, the amount deducted for pension liability?
§ Commander EYRES-MONSELLAs the reply is somewhat long, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ The reply is as follows:
§ The amount received from Dominion Governments in respect of pension liability for men lent from the Imperial Navy during the last five years amounted to approximately £120,000. This includes the contribution in respect of men in their first or second engagements, non-continuous service ratings and reservists, and also arrears of increased rates levied after the introduction of higher scales of pension in 1919. In the case of Australia and New Zealand, the contribution is deducted by the Dominion authorities from the deferred pay issuable under Dominion regulations. In Canada deferred pay is not granted, and the Canadian Government pay the pension contribution. With regard to the last part of the question, the reference to Article 368 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions is not understood, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for the North Division of Portsmouth on the 18th July.