HC Deb 06 December 1922 vol 159 cc1783-4W
Lieut.-Colonel MOORE-BRABAZON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that men leaving Chatham Dockyard on superannuation or bonus have to wait a long time before they can get a settlement, thereby being obliged in many cases to borrow money at a ruinous rate of interest; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the method by which these awards are paid with a view to speeding up the system and obviating this unnecessary hardship?

Commander EYRES-MONSELL

It is, unfortunately, true that during the period of heavy discharges on reduction through which Chatham Dockyard, and other dockyards, have recently passed it was not possible with the staff available to deal as promptly as could have been desired with these cases, and some delay inevitably arose. Where, however, representations were made by or on behalf of any man concerned to the effect that: hardship was being inflicted, special arrangements were made for payment of an advance. Now that conditions are approaching the normal the time taken to deal with these cases is much less, but if my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars of any instances where there appears to have been undue delay, I shall be happy to have inquiries made.