asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if ex-Fleet Reserve men are allowed to count the time served with the Fleet Reserve for bonus when employed in His Majesty's dockyards as unestablished men?

The reply is in the negative.

Will the First Lord say why there should be this differential treatment in the case of these Reserve men as compared with other men in the dockyards?

I am not aware that there is any differential treatment at all. The suggestion of the hon. Member in his question is so wide that it would affect all State services, not only those in the dockyards.

Would the First Lord consider a shorter period of service counting for establishment?

No. I do not think that would be at all wise.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter in view of the fact that these men are penalised as compared with other naval men?

I am not aware that they are penalised at all. The hon. Member raises a much wider issue affecting State services generally.