HC Deb 07 December 1939 vol 355 cc838-9W
Sir R. Keyes

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position of the Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B ratings, who, before the war, joined the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party and were serving under short-term engagements in that party when war was declared; are they to be treated in the same way as Royal Fleet Reserve, Class B, called up for service as regards pay and allowances; and will time served during the war count for Royal Fleet Reserve medal and gratuity?

Mr. Shakespeare

Men of the Royal Fleet Reserve joining the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party ceased to be members of the Royal Fleet Reserve. They are, therefore, not being mobilised as reservists but are being retained for service on their engagements in the Reserve Fleet Supplementary Party. The time they serve on their present engagements will count for Royal Fleet Reserve medal and gratuity.