asked the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the desirability of allowing men in His Majesty's dockyards who are so desirous to retire and receive the pension or gratuity to which they are entitled thus avoiding the discharge of younger men now under notice?

The conditions under which pensions or gratuities may be awarded are laid down in the Superannuation Acts, and no provision is made for any such awards to employés whose services are terminated at their own desire. I regret, therefore, that it is not possible to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.