§ Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that W. M'Cracken, 8, Acacia Road, Wood Green (B 6,814), who served in the British Navy for 22 years and was discharged on expiration of engagement on 9th May, 1924, was informed by letter, dated 20th May, 1924, from the registrar, Royal Naval Barracks, Portsmouth, that, owing to his having been a member of the 22nd Portsmouth Battalion implicated in the disturbance at Newport in 1921, all claim to Royal Fleet Reserve gratuity or pension was forfeited; and, in view of the long and honourable service of this man, of the fact that he took no part in the disturbance referred to, and that since 1921 he has continued his service, whether he will look into this case with the view of sympathetic reconsideration?
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§ Mr. AMMONThis man's service consisted of 12 years in the Royal Navy and 10 years in the Royal Fleet Reserve, nearly five years of the latter being mobilised service during the War. From his statement made immediately after the occurrence in question, it is clear that he joined in with the large body of men who knowingly failed to obey the order to turn out on parade. The Royal Fleet Reserve Regulations prescribe good conduct as a necessary qualification for the gratuity or pension. By his behaviour on the occasion in question, M'Cracken has clearly failed to satisfy this requirement, and the Admiralty see no grounds for modifying their decision.