§ Dr. SPEROasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the increased pensions granted to senior surgeon-commanders, Royal Navy, are regarded as a measure of compensation for their compulsory premature retirement; and if they are liable to a reduction with the fall in the cost of living?
§ Mr. AMMONThe earlier ages of compulsory retirement were introduced as a part of the new scheme of pay and allowances, etc., in 1919. This scheme must be considered as a whole, and no particular item of it can be regarded as a set off against another particular item. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.