HC Deb 06 December 1946 vol 431 cc697-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

1.43 p.m.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre (New Forest and Christchurch)

I do not wish to detain the Committee, particularly as I understand the powers that be in the Navy are moving with the speed to which we are accustomed, and that this Bill is to be completed today. As I understand it, the object of this Bill is to bring the Royal Marines into line with the other Services, and the provisions of this Clause are designed to ensure that the terms of service in the Royal Marines are similar to those in the other Services. I would ask the Civil Lord whether, between now and the time this Bill is taken to another place, he will look at this Clause again, to see whether he cannot enlarge the Bill to bring the Royal Marines into line in all respects with the other Services. I think that I am right in saying that the Royal Marines are the only Service which has no special provision for short-term engagements, and I am sure that he would be doing a great service to the Royal Marines if he could make provision, for example, for five and seven years' engagements.

1.44 p.m.

The Civil Lord to the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

I am quite certain that my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for New Forest and Christchurch (Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre) would feel that there would be something wrong in separating the Royal Marines from the Royal Navy. There is a very close association between the two bodies, which I think we ought to keep. As far as the point he has raised is concerned, I am quite prepared to look into it, although it does not affect this, because it is a matter of substituting 22 years, being pensionable time, for 21 years.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill reported, without Amendment.

1.46 p.m.

Mr. W. Edwards

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

This matter was considered very carefully, and, if I may say so, very generously, on Second Reading. I want more or less to repeat what was said on that occasion, that this Bill is simply and solely for the purpose of bringing the Royal Marines into step with the Army and Air Force for the purposes of the new pay code which came into effect in July this year. It is not a contentious Bill, and I am certain, as hon. Members on various sides of the House said on Second Reading, that it will be welcomed by the Marines.

1.47 p.m.

Mr. J. P. L. Thomas (Hereford)

I, too, have nothing fresh to add to the speech I made on Second Reading. We on this side of the House realise the need for the Bill to standardise the qualifying period to obtain pensions in all Services, and as far as my information goes, it is welcomed by the Royal Marines. I can safely say that nothing has happened during the passage of this Bill to make those of us on these Benches qualify in any way the support given to the Measure on Second Reading.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the Third time, and passed.