§ 52. Rear-Admiral SUETERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that nearly 100 Members have asked that the House may be allowed to discuss and determine the question of whether or not, some addition should be made to the pensions of certain ranker officers in respect of their period of commissioned service, and in view of the fact that, when a proposal was made to set up a Committee to look into the claims of these men, it was agreed to on the distinct understanding that the House would have an opportunity of expressing its opinion, he will now say when the House will be given this opportunity?
§ Mr. CLYNESI cannot accept the hon. and gallant Member's interpretation of the remarks made in the course of the Debate on this subject, and I regret that I can hold out no hope of facilities being given for a discussion of the Report.
§ Rear-Admiral SUETERYou had better read the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. CLYNESI have already done so.
§ Rear-Admiral SUETERYou cannot have read it correctly.
§ Mr. LORIMERDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Prime Minister has kept his election promises on this question?
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhat steps have the Government taken to find employment for ex-ranker officers?
§ Mr. BECKERWill the ex-ranker officer now have to consider that his case is entirely closed, and that there is no hope of anything further being done for him?
§ Mr. CLYNESThat is the interpretation given by the Government to the conclusion stated in the Report.
§ Mr. J. HARRISIs it not a fact that during the speech of the Prime Minister he repeatedly stated that this House would have a chance of discussing this matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESI do not think the Report implies that.
§ Mr. HARRISNo, not the Report, but the speech of the Prime Minister.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhy is the right hon. Gentleman afraid of having this matter discussed?