HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc185-6W
80. Mr. Willis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the numbers of chief petty officers and petty officers who signed on to complete time for pension during the year 1956; what percentage this represents of those eligible to do so; and how these figures compare with those for 1955.

Mr. Soames

Men on twelve-year engagements become eligible to re-engage for pension any time after the beginning of their ninth year of adult service and of those eligible 783 re-engaged in 1956, representing 18 per cent. The corresponding figures for 1955 were 422 or 12 per cent.

However, the majority of men do not re-engage until towards the end of their engagements. Of those who completed twelve years in the course of 1956, 54 per cent. had re-engaged representing 320 men; the corresponding figures for 1955 being 49 per cent. representing 293 men.

The figures include all ratings with the equivalent rank and pay of chief petty officers and petty officers—except artificers.

81. Mr. Willis

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what are the numbers of artificers who signed on to complete time for pension during 1956; what percentage this represents of those eligible to do so; and how these figures compare with those for 1955.

Mr. Soames

Artificers on twelve-year engagements become eligible to re-engage for pension any time after the beginning of the ninth year of adult service and of these 428 re-engaged in 1956, representing 17 per cent. The corresponding figures for 1955 were 320 or 12 per cent. However, the majority of artificers do not re-engage until towards the end of their engagement. Of those who completed twelve years in the course of 1956 53 per cent. had re-engaged, representing 282 men; the corresponding figures for 1955 being 51 per cent., representing 297 men.