§ Mr. R. BEAUMONTasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that third-class engineers in the War Department Fleet are, unlike first- and second-class engineers, not entitled to pensions on retirement although they perform the same work and have the same responsibilities; and whether he will consider placing all these engineers on a pensionable basis, especially in view of the fact that third-class engineers in the naval armament are pensionable?
Mr. COOPERThird-class engineers in the War Department Fleet differ from first- and second-class engineers in the extent of their responsibilities, method of recruitment and qualifications demanded. They are classed as industrial employés, and are not eligible for pensionable status, as it is contrary to the general policy of the Department to accord pensionability to employés of industrial categories.