§ 108. Colonel Ropnerasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty for what reasons second-lieutenants in the R.M. under 20 years of age are paid 35. 6d. less than second-lieutenants of 20 years and over; and whether he will consider making these rates of pay the same by increasing the pay of those under 20 years of age.
Mr. DugdaleThe pay of second-lieutenants, Royal Marines, under the age of 20 is aligned so far as possible with that of officers of corresponding age in the Royal Navy. The majority of naval officers under 20 are midshipmen on the same rate of pay of 7s. 6d. a day, although a few may be acting sub-lieutenants on 11s. 0d. a day. To increase the rate of276W pay as suggested by the hon. and gallant Member would upset this comparison, and I am therefore unable to adopt his suggestion.