HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 c445
3. Mr. H. L. D'A. Hopkinson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what consideration will be given to allowing a pro rata pension on the number of years served for those continuous service ratings who have to leave the Royal Navy on compassionate grounds.

Mr. W. Edwards

Pro rata pensions in such circumstances are not contemplated. Service pensions are granted as a reward for the completion of a prescribed minimum period of 22 years' service. Ratings who leave on compassionate grounds qualify, normally, for gratuity under the same conditions as men discharged on completion of engagement without entitlement to pension.

Mr. Hopkinson

Is the Civil Lord not aware that there is great discontent on the lower deck about the lack of security under certain conditions, which is having a serious effect on re-engagement after 10 years' service?

Mr. Edwards

I am bound to say that there is no great discontent. If a man leaves before the end of his service, on compassionate grounds, he is entitled to receive that gratuity which is laid down by the regulations.