§ 10. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that naval gunners serving on ships of the Merchant Navy are paid an extra 6d. a day while actually embarked; and whether he will authorise a similar payment to men of the Maritime Royal Artillery serving under similar circumstances?
§ Sir J. GriggI am aware that naval gunners on merchant ships receive an extra allowance of 6d. a day. That is a naval allowance which is not admissible for Army personnel. Gunners of the Maritime Royal Artillery receive the same pay as those of other branches of the Royal Artillery, and as at present advised I do not think that this position should be altered.
§ Mr. BellengerThe right hon. Gentleman has given no reason why this cannot be altered. Is he aware of the feeling that exists among men serving on merchant ships when they find that their equivalents in the Royal Navy are able to get this extra 6d.?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, it looks as if it is one of those horrible cases where there is bound to be an anomaly somewhere, and 1148 the question is where exactly it should lie. If there is not a discrepancy between men of the Navy and the Army, there would be a discrepancy between men in the Army and their comrades.