HC Deb 09 April 1941 vol 370 cc1554-6
30. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether those naval officers on the emergency list who, by reason of their re-employment in time of war, complete the necessary time in order so to qualify, will become eligible to receive pensions on their reversion to the emergency list?

The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

The Regulations expressly provide that the war service of emergency list officers does not qualify for retired pay.

31. Sir A. Southby

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that officers who were transferred to the emergency list prior to 25th May, 1927, were so transferred on the explicit understanding that in the case of re-employment in time of war they would receive a bonus of 25 per cent. in addition to the full pay of their rank; why this agreement has been repudiated by the Admiralty; and on what grounds it has now been decided that, although the bonus is to be paid in future, no payment will be allowed for any period prior to the 4th February, 1941?

Mr. Alexander

In order to remove anomalies, revised conditions of pay were made in 1927 for officers on the emergency list when called up in time of war. To have continued to pay the 25 per cent. bonus for service in war would have resulted in placing them in a preferential position over retired officers awarded a gratuity but no retired pay. It was, therefore, decided to terminate this condition of pay. Subsequently it was represented on behalf of officers on the emergency list before 25th May, 1927, that they had not-been specifically informed of the change. It was therefore decided to grant to these officers the bonus of 25 per cent. as from 4th February, 1941. In all the circumstances this was a substantial concession, which I am not prepared to increase.

Sir A. Southby

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that as the Admiralty admit that the contention of these officers is perfectly just and correct, there is hardly any reason for paying them the bonus only from 1941, when the Admiralty admit, in the right hon. Gentleman's answer, that they are entitled to be paid from the day of the beginning of the war?

Mr. Alexander

I said that it was represented on their behalf that they had not been specifically notified of the change in 1927, although it was printed in the revised regulations. It was for this reason the Board of Admiralty made the very substantial concession indicated in my answer, and which operated from the date of the Treasury's approval.

Sir A. Southby

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Regulation itself specifically admits that these officers were entitled to receive a 25 per cent bonus when they were recalled for war service, and having been recalled for war service, has he any reason for their being denied what the Regulation says they are entitled to?

Mr. Alexander

I have nothing to add to my answer.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.