§ Mr. H0RE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the facilities granted to established men who wish to take their pensions before they are normally due can be made retrospective?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMNo, Sir; the suggestion is not practicable.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether similar facilities for taking their discharges, 2090W which are now being allowed to established men, will be granted to hired men in His Majesty's dockyards, so that those who wish to may take their gratuities although they may not have done the full qualifying period of service?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMUnder the Superannuation Acts gratuities may be awarded to hired men discharged on reduction only when the reckonable service amounts to at least seven years.