HC Deb 17 June 1925 vol 185 c477
20. Mr. WALTER BAKER

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, as a result of the Jerram Committee, the Royal Fleet Reserve retiring gratuity was increased by 100 per cent. in view of the depreciation of the pound sterling; whether he is aware that a corresponding adjustment was refused in the case of the Royal Naval Reserve gratuity; and whether he will take steps to increase the gratuity of the Royal Naval Reserve in the same proportion as that of the Royal Fleet Reserve?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)

This suggestion cannot be adopted as the circumstances of the two Forces are entirely different. The Royal Fleet Reserve retiring gratuity was increased from £50 to £100, but the annual retainer was not increased at all, whereas a substantial increase was made in the annual retainer of the Royal Naval Reserve.

Mr. BAKER

Having regard to the many anomalies which exist in regard to retiring allowances and superannuation, will a Committee of Inquiry be appointed to go into the whole of these questions?

Mr. DAVIDSON

I cannot give any undertaking, but I will consider it.