§ Sir J. BUTCHERasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether certain retired officers were during the War appointed recruiting officers for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines on a five-years' appointment determinable on their attaining the age of 58 years; whether these officers took up their appointments in the localities to which they were sent and incurred large expenses in moving from their homes; whether the appointments of some of these officers were terminated on six months' notice before their five years had expired and before they attained 58; and whether he will in such cases arrange that suitable compensation shall be given for the loss they have sustained?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe five-year appointments referred to were for five years subject to the pleasure of the Board of Admiralty. In a few instances the appointments were terminated at six months' notice, and applications for compensation in respect of removal expenses are under consideration. The reduction of Naval personnel after the War, of course necessitated a corresponding reduction in the Recruiting Service.