§ 24. Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what steps have been taken up to the present date with regard to the formulation of a contributory scheme for pensions to widows and dependants of naval ratings; and when it is expected that the men of the Fleet will have concrete proposals placed before them for their decision?
§ Mr. HODGESA contributory scheme of pensions for the widows and children of seamen and marines is under consideration by the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Certain tentative proposals have recently been referred to the Admiralty and are at present under consideration with a view to seeing what assistance can be given in their development. The Admiralty will, of course, be in no way responsible for the administration of any scheme that may be decided upon. I am not, in these circumstances, in a position to state when a scheme will be placed before the men of the Fleet, but a reply will be sent to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust as soon as practicable.