§ Mr. BROOKESasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to place all temporary officers in the Navy and in the Army on the same footing as regards the payment of a death or discharge gratuity?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the gratuities payable to widows of deceased officers under Article 11 (3) of the Royal Warrant and Order in Council, the principle of similar treatment for officers of both Services has already been adopted; but as the naval practice before the introduction of the Order in Council was based 749W on a different principle, officers employed before the 1st April, 1917, when the Order in Council came into force, are allowed to retain the benefit of the old system where this is more favourable. Gratuities on discharge are of different kinds, and I do not clearly understand to which of them my hon. Friend is referring in particular. In general, I am not satisfied that complete uniformity is practicable.