§ 26. Mr. Kirbyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the inclusion of officers at present serving in the R.N.R., who have more than three years' service in the Merchant Navy, as qualifying for the war service increments.
Mr. AlexanderThe qualifying period for war service increments is based on the time during which service rates of pay have been issued. I regret that the inclusion of service during which civil rates of pay were drawn cannot be accepted.
§ Mr. KirbyWill my right hon. Friend reconsider this matter, in view of the fact that officers and men in the Merchant Navy doing their service in that capacity, face the same hazards as those who are in the Naval Reserve; and will he review it in that light?
Mr. AlexanderI recognise the great service they have done, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that this question would arise in regard to other Services than the Merchant Service, in which civil rates of pay are current. I think, therefore, the question should be addressed to a higher plane.
§ Mr. KirbyMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether, instead of considering the difference between the civil and naval rates of pay, he will look upon it from the point of view of what kind of service a man renders?
Mr. AlexanderI do not think it would be advisable to depart from the general rule, unless it was done for all the Services who are receiving civil rates of pay like those in the Merchant Service.