§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Admiralty Circular Letter 1725W No. 140, of the 19th December, 1902, lays down that the minimum rate of pay for engineer-commanders on promotion would be 24s. per diem; whether he is aware that engineer-commanders now only receive 18s. per diem on promotion; and whether he intends to take any steps in the matter?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative, and to the third part in the negative. It must, however, be pointed out that the rate of pay laid down in the Circular Letter quoted had reference solely to engineer officers advanced to the rank of engineer commander under the regulations for advancement then in force. The accelerated promotion introduced temporarily by Circular Letter No. 187 of the 1st November, 1903, was not intended to carry with it any benefit as regards full pay, and this was clearly stated at the time. Consequently those engineer lieutenants who have been, or may be, advanced in the ordinary course to the rank of engineer commander after less than eight years on the senior list—the qualification for advancement required when Circular Letter No. 140 of the 19th December, 1902, was issued—will not receive pay at the rate of 24s. a day until they have completed eight years on the lists of engineer lieutenant (senior) and engineer commander combined.