§ 40. Mr. T. Smithasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has yet come to any decision regarding pay increases to temporary second-lieutenants of the Royal Marines, in view of the fact that the matter has been under consideration for several weeks, and in view of the urgency of the matter for the officers concerned?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. Shakespeare)I regret that I am not yet in a position to reply to the hon. Member's Question; steps have been taken to expedite a decision on this matter.
§ Mr. SmithCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what obstacle there is in the way of speeding-up a decision?
§ Mr. ShakespeareNo obstacle, except that other Service Departments have to be consulted.