§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the average pension payable to established men in the royal dockyards retiring in 1914, 1915, 1919, 1920, and at the present date, respectively, after the same number of years' service in each case?
§ Mr. HODGESThe records do not readily afford the information asked for, and having regard to the large amount of clerical labour which would be involved in obtaining it, I regret that, in present circumstances, it is not practicable to furnish the desired statistics. I may add, however, for the purpose of comparison, that the annual rate of pension payable to dockyard workmen retiring, in each of the years mentioned, after 20 years' reckon-able service in the representative grades of skilled labourer, shipwright and fitter, was as follows:
consider the setting up of a Committee to investigate the extension of the employment of ex-naval officers under the Admiralty administration in such billets as inspectors of gun mountings, etc., in order that the services of officers highly qualified in gunnery, torpedo, navigational wireless engineering, and other classes of specialised work may be utilised for the benefit of the State?
§ Mr. AMMONThere are 56 retired naval and marine officers at present filling establishment posts within the jurisdiction of the Admiralty. These 451W comprise posts in the Naval Ordnance Inspection Department, Hydrographic and Compass Departments, and other Admiralty Departments. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by setting up a Committee for the purpose suggested. The matter is constantly under consideration in connection with the general administation of Admiralty business with a view to making the best use of the services of suitable officers who may be available when vacancies arise.