HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 c479W
Mr. BROOKES

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the differential treatment in respect of gratuities of temporary officers in the Navy and the Army to the disadvantage of the former; whether this differentiation is due to the absence of any authority to make such gratuities; whether the Admiralty will seek such authority from Parliament; and whether he will take steps to test the feeling of the House in respect of putting all land combatant officers who give their lives or their health for their country on precisely the same footing?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am unable at present to supplement the replies I have already given on this subject to my hon. Friend and other Members.

Mr. BROOKES

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many temporary officers in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve or in the Royal Marines have lost their lives or been incapacitated by reason of their service, and who would had they been in the Army in a corresponding position, have benefited by the authority to pay either to them or to their dependants the regulation gratuity?

Dr. MACNAMARA

As it will take some time to extract the information asked for, perhaps my hon. Friend would put his question down again a week hence.