§ 55. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that when one of His Majesty's larger ships is paid off the captain goes on half-pay at once, and the commander is given six months' grace before being placed on half-pay; and whether the same consideration can be shown to captains as to commanders, the present system involving the position that the captain on going ashore after paying off draws a smaller amount of pay than the commander?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Headlam)I am aware of the circumstances referred to, but regret that I can hold out no hope of a change in the direction indicated.
§ Colonel DAYCannot these officers be employed in connection with the films being made by the Admiralty?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that, owing to the much smaller number of ships in commission at present, this inflicts great hardship on captains,, and could the matter he viewed in that light and reconsidered?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThis matter was carefully considered in 1919 by a Committee presided over by an Admiral, and every consideration was taken into account. I do not think that we can reopen it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe reasons were that under the circumstances it was considered better for the Service generally that captains should not be placed in this position.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the excessive amount of pay time captain now have to put in, and the great hardship that these officers undergo in consequence, and could the matter be reopened?