HC Deb 08 July 1959 vol 608 cc1333-4
14. Mr. Atkins

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the re-engagement figures for ratings during the first three months of this year; and how these figures compare with the corresponding period of last year.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Sixty-four per cent. of R.N. ratings who completed 12 years' service in January-March, 1959, re-engaged to complete time for pension, compared with 57 per cent. in January-March, 1958.

Mr. Atkins

Those are very encouraging figures. Can my hon. Friend tell me when they were last bettered, and whether the figures for all branches are as satisfactory?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

This is the best figure that we have had since 1936. It has shown a steady improvement over the years. The improvement is spread over most of the branches. It is true that there are just one or two rather weak branches to which we are having to attend.