MR. Long's Statement.

Part of Supply. — [4TH Allotted Day.] – in the House of Commons at on 12 March 1919.

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Photo of Mr Thomas Macnamara Mr Thomas Macnamara , Camberwell North West

No; but I can give a figure which I think will be of equal interest—the average age at which these pensions are and were awarded. Five years ago the age was about fifty-eight; tan years ago it was sixty-three; therefore we are working down. It means that we are better able to give to more of these men as time goes on. The advanced age pension is awarded automatically, on application, at sixty-five, to these who are in receipt of the age pension. My hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich called attention to the fact that the figure in the provisional sketch is £400,000, on Vote 6. The net expenditure in 1913–14 was £53,375 on Vote 6, and in 1914–15 £87,090. Between £20,000 and £30,000 of the increase in the 1919–20 sketch is due to increased prices—price of paper, rates of printing charts and other increases. Another increase is due to the inclusion of a provision for the compass department previously provided for under other Votes. But by far the largest increase is due to the provision for scientific research and experiments—which is an entirely new provision since 1913–14. Here the provision is roughly £200,000 on half the total in the sketch. The hon. Member for Devonport referred to what he rightly called the welfare committee. He called attention to the Admiralty Order of 21st February, under which it was decided to make permanent arrangements upon the same lines as the advisory member on the Jerram Committee at each port for the purpose of reporting the views of the Fleet on certain matters. He called attention to the method of electing these representatives which we have adopted in principle. The phrase in the Admiralty Order dealing with the setting up of these welfare committees says: The election of the various representatives will be carried out in such a manner as the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces may decide. I understand that in this particular case the Commander-in-Chief has held that men whom he nominates will represent the lower deck on this local welfare committee.