§ 28. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Committee which was appointed last year under the presidency of Vice-Admiral Sir William Goodenough to inquire into the question of marriage allowances for officers of the Royal Navy has reported; what is the nature of its Report; whether the Report has been published; and why a coordinating Committee is now required again examine into the matter?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)The Committee referred to has reported, but as the sole object of appointing it was to assist the Admiralty in formulating proposals on this question. it is not my intention to publish the Report. The Reference of the Admiralty proposals to a co-ordinating Committee is intended to avoid delay, which separate reference to each Department interested would entail.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWithout stating nature of the Report, is it not a fact that the Committee reported in favour of the granting of marriage allowances to naval officers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIf I mention any part of it, I might be obliged to publish the whole. It is for our own information, and I do not intend to publish it.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAHow can the right hon. Gentleman reconcile his statement that the reference in this question to the Committee has been directed to avoid delay with the fact that the subject has already been delayed year after year?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt has never reached the point it has reached now.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhat point has it reached now?
§ Mr. AMMONWas not an answer given in this House that the Committee was appointed to settle the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIt was appointed to advise the Admiralty.
§ Mr. AMMONHas not the question been continually raised, and was not an answer given here that it was sent to the Goodenough Committee for a decision?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI cannot answer that offhand, but I think I am right in saying the Goodenough Committee was appointed in order to give the Admiralty definite advice in the matter.
§ 34. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make a statement upon the granting of a marriage allowance to officers in the Royal Navy?
§ 35. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he can make any statement as to the findings of the Co-ordinating Committee of the Services on the question of marriage allowance to officers of the Navy?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI am not in a position at present to make any statement on this subject.
§ Sir B. FALLEMay I repeat the question between now and the date of the Naval Estimates?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANYes, but it would be more convenient if I informed both hon. Members when I am likely to be able to give an answer.
§ Major HORE-BELISHAWhat point have the deliberations reached, and why do the Committee continue to sit on it?