HC Deb 25 November 1959 vol 614 cc353-4
27. Commander Courtney

asked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the present state of the figures for re-engagement in the Royal Navy; and how these compare with those of previous years.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Re-engagement for pension in the Royal Navy had risen steadily from 36 per cent. five years ago to 64 per cent. so far this year. This is the highest level since 1936 when the percentage re-engaging was 69 per cent.

Commander Courtney

While congratulating my hon. Friend on these really excellent figures, may I ask him to bear in mind that the long-term good of the Service requires that a success such as this on the lower deck be matched by corresponding success in relation to the entry of the young officer?

Mr. Orr-Ewing

We are very well aware of the need on the officer recruiting side, and I hope that the reserved cadetships and other institutions will help in that recruiting.

Mr. H. Hynd

Did I understand the Civil Lord to say, "re-engagement for pension"? Was not that a slip of the tongue and did he not mean "re-engagement for the honour and pleasure of serving in the Royal Navy?"

Mr. Orr-Ewing

I stand corrected.