HC Deb 06 December 1939 vol 355 c678W
Mr. Thorne

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the Royal Naval Reserve ratings do not get paid for their good conduct badges the same as pensioner ratings of the Royal Fleet Reserve who get paid at the rate of 3d. per day for each badge?

Mr. Gallacher

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why Royal Naval Reserve ratings do not get paid for their good conduct badges at the rate of 3d. a day, as do ratings in the Royal Navy, pensioner ratings, and Royal Fleet Reserve; and whether he will also consider taking steps to secure to members of the Royal Naval Reserve the payment of their retainers in war-time, in the same way that pensioner ratings continue to draw their pensions?

Mr. Shakespeare

Good conduct badges are an award for service in the Royal Navy and any man serving in the Navy can qualify by service for such badges and the pay associated with them. Ratings of the Royal Naval Reserve are eligible for these badges in respect of mobilised service.

Good service badges earned by service in the reserve alone are not on all fours with good conduct badges earned by service in the Navy and consequently carry no pay.

The retainer paid to men of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Fleet Reserves is paid not as a reward for services rendered but in respect of a liability for service in the Royal Navy and, as such, ceases on mobilisation. Pensions on the other hand are awards for service rendered in the past and there is no reason why they should be discontinued when the pensioner is recalled for further service.