§ Captain GEEasked the Secretary of State for War whether the post of railway engineer in the Royal Arsenal has been abolished; if he is aware that the manager lately filling that position has been discharged without a pension, before the retiring age, after 21½ years' service; and whether alternative employment has been found for him, and, if not, why?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am aware of the facts indicated in the first part of the question, and I much regret that no alternative employment suitable to the qualifications of the official concerned is available. The appointment in question has been abolished in order to secure essential economy. The appointment was never intended to be pensionable, and I have no reason to suppose that the salary of £650 per annum, plus war bonus, and a gratuity of £386 on retirement, was less than equivalent to1552W the full market rate for similar duties in industry.