asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now make any statement as to the provision of Pensions for officers and engineer officers serving in Royal Naval Fleet Auxiliaries which was brought to the notice of the Admiralty in 1926 by Deputation from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild, Mercantile Marine Service Association and Marine Engineers' Association?

Before this question is answered, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, what element of urgency there is in it in view of the fact that the hour for questions is now passed?

I am not sure that the hour for questions is yet passed, but the matter of urgency I took fully into consideration before allowing the question, and the hon. Member must allow me to decide.

Proposals for making the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service a pensionable one have been receiving consideration, and a scheme has been worked out which is expected to prove satisfactory to all concerned. It is anticipated that the scheme will be brought into operation during the ensuing financial year.

In view of the very long time that this question has been outstanding, will the hon. and gallant Member say whether in making this service pensionable it will be retrospective?

That is one of the matters which has been under consideration, but I cannot give a definite answer at the moment.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me an answer on that point when he answers my question to-morrow?

It would be somewhat difficult because the matter is not yet fully arranged. The point which the hon. Gentleman has brought to my attention is one which is receiving consideration.

May I ask if the proposed pensions will be at least equal to those paid for some years by the best firms of shipowners?

I am sure we shall do everything that is right and proper, and the pensions we offer will be in accordance with the usual scale.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the pay of these officers at the present time is less than in the private shipping firms?