HC Deb 24 April 1929 vol 227 cc890-1W
Mr. COMPTON

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that No. 21,911, Marine F. J. Goodwin was discharged on 6th March, 1929, after five years and 147 days' service, in consequence of the loss of the thumb of the right hand arising from an accident while on duty; that his character was certified very good, sober, trustworthy, and hard working; that he has been awarded a gratuity of £10 as compensation; and under what Regulation this sum is regarded as adequate for a disability attributable to service?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The facts in regard to Goodwin's discharge and the nature of the injury he had sustained are as stated. Full inquiry was held into the facts, and it was found that the accident was wholly due to the man's carelessness in such circumstances that the Admiralty declined to grant a hurt certificate as for an accident arising out of his duty. This being so, the gratuity is on the non-attributable scale of allowances, namely, £2 a year for each complete year of service.