§ Mr. JOHN JONESasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether under the Jerram Report men who were directed to remain at work in the dockyards are entitled to the increases recommended provided they were under the age of fifty-five at the outbreak of war; if so, can he state the reason for fixing this age limit; and whether, in view of cases where men had just reached the specified age prior to the commencement of the War and who have done good service ever since, it will be possible to reconsider this matter?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative as regards long service naval pensioners. The reason for fixing the age of fifty-five is that liability to service for pensioners ceases at that age, and it would have caused a distinct grievance to preclude men under that age, who were liable 2425W for service but were prevented from serving, from partaking in the benefits of the new scales. I am afraid I am not in a position to give any undertaking regarding the last part of the question.