§ 12. Sir Robert Youngasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men of the artificer branches of the Royal Navy have responded to the re-engagement request to continue service after completing time for pension; and what are the terms offered to induce engine-room artificers to continue and the number of them who have done so?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Sir Samuel Hoare)The number of men of the artificer branches who have re-engaged for a further period of three, four or five years' general service after completing time for pension, including pensioners re-entered after a break in service, is 100, including 73 engine room artificers. They receive the pay of their rating on the scale of pay introduced in 1925, and in addition receive a special bonus of a shilling a day and are allowed at the same time to draw their pension. Those who re-engage without a break in service are given the option of not drawing their pension and of remaining instead on the 1919 scale of pay with a special bonus of a shilling a day, their further service counting for increase of pension.
§ Sir R. YoungIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the response?
§ Sir S. HoareNo, Sir; I should like to see a larger response.
§ Sir R. YoungWill the right hon. Gentleman try to find out from the artificers themselves what can be done?
§ Sir S. HoareI shall be glad to have assistance from anyone, and if the hon. Member will send me any suggestions I will give them careful attention.