§ Sir B. FALLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that Admiralty Fleet Order No. 13, of 1922, contains the scales of disability pensions, gratuities, etc., for seamen and marines, with no distinction between seamen and marines; whether he is aware that nevertheless service pensions are denied to Royal Marines unless they have 14 years' service, although the Fleet Order provides for pensions after 10 years' service; and if he will investigate the matter and, if necessary, remedy it?
§ Mr. AMMONAs indicated by the note against the 10 years service rate, the Fleet Order only conserves the right to be considered for life pensions if invalided after 10 and before 14 years' service in the case of seamen entered on the Continuous Service system before 1st October, 1921, under Regulations which conferred such a right. A minimum of 14 years' Service has always been the normal qualifying period in the cases of other ratings and Royal Marines.