asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether men over 60 years of age now being discharged from Devonport Dockyard are being discharged on grounds of age or on grounds of redundancy; and whether he will consider the hardships which are suffered in the loss of gratuities in some cases when discharge is said to be made on grounds of age.

The superannuation benefits appropriate to a man discharged "on reduction" may only be granted as laid down by the Superannuation Act of 1887:

"If he is removed in consequence of the abolition of his employment or for the purpose of facilitating improvements in the organisation of the department by which economy can be effected."

The precise application of this statutory requirement to the circumstances of the present time in H.M. Dockyards is a matter of some difficulty, and is at present under close examination following discussion on the Admiralty Industrial Council.