81. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Royal Fleet Reserve retiring gratuity has been increased by 100 per cent, on account of the depreciation of the pound sterling, he will recommend a similar increase in the case of the gratuities of the Royal Naval Reserve?
Mr. DAVIDSONI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 17th June to the hon. Member for East Bristol (Mr. Walter Baker).—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th June, Column 479.]
82. Mr. THOMSONalso asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, where members of the Royal Naval Reserve are invalided out of the Service through no fault of their own before completing their specified time, he will sanction payment. of a proportionate amount of then-gratuity, having regard to the fact that the majority completed five years active service under war conditions?
Mr. DAVIDSONThis question has been carefully considered, but I regret that provision cannot be made for the award of proportionate gratuities to members of the Royal Naval Reserve who are invalided for causes unattributable to the Service. I may add, however, that a proportionate gratuity is awarded in the case of those who are actually mobilised and serving at the time of invaliding or who are on voluntary service in emergency.