asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his regulations allow acting rank held for more than 12 months in peace-time to be counted for pension purposes.

All paid rank is now taken into account when assessing the rank element of ratings' pensions. Paid acting rank on the active list of a year or more between 3rd September, 1939, and 31st October, 1952, will also be allowed to count for increases in officers' retired pay.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether or not such service in an acting rank can be confirmed after holding that acting rank successfully for 12 months or more?

That sounds far too technical for a supplementary question. I should like to write to the hon. Member on the subject.