§ Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will amend Admiralty Fleet Order 2410 to permit Royal Marines who have completed 10 years' service, and who desire to reengage to complete time for pension, to do so before 1st January, 1932, and secure the rates of pay shown in column 2 of the schedule to Fleet Order 2410?
Lord STANLEYThe general rule governing the re-engagements of Royal Marines, laid down by the Royal Marines Act, 1847, is that they may apply to reengage after 11½ years of their first engagement, whereas the seaman may apply after 10 years' service. The question of reducing this disparity wholly or in some degree is under consideration and is a complicated one. I am unable, therefore, at the moment to give any further assurances or promises in this matter than have already been given in A.F.O. 2729/31.