§ Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the pay of midshipmen in His Majesty's Navy is only 1s. 9d. per diem; and if he will consult with the Treasury as to whether the pay of these officers may be raised to the same figure as that of second lieutenants in the Army?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am afraid I cannot give any undertaking in regard to the second part of the question, nor do I think that the case of midshipmen, in regard more particularly to mess expenses, is entirely comparable with that of second lieutenants in the Army I may remind my hon. Friend that where necessity exists the Board of Admiralty is prepared to give favourable consideration to applications for whole or partial relief in respect of the private allowance payable on behalf of midshipmen.