§ 81. Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men now being promoted mate are receiving the new scale of pay, which is 12s. per week less than that promised them under the old scale; and if he will inquire into and remedy this?
Mr. DAVIDSONThe new scale of pay for officers applies to those promoted to mate or mate (E) on or after the 5th October, 1925. I see no reason for altering this arrangement, which corresponds to that adopted in the Army and Royal Air Force in the case of soldiers and airmen granted commissions.
§ Sir B. FALLECan the hon. Gentleman say why the Army always refer to the junior services when dealing with the senior service; whether the Admiralty's promise was that the men's pay should not be decreased, and, in that ease, why a man promoted in rank should not be able to hope for the fulfilment of the Admiralty's promise and not be penalised?
Mr. DAVIDSONMy hon. and gallant Friend must realise that promotion from the lower deck has always been regarded as different from promotion from the staff.