§ Sir A. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for War when and under what Royal Warrant the number of meritorious service annuities of £10 each was fixed at 750; and whether he is satisfied that the number is adequate in view of the recently increased establishment of the Army?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe number of meritorious service annuities is not limited by Royal Warrant to 750, but under Article 1195 of the Royal Warrant for the Pay, etc., of the Army, 1931, a sum of £7,500 a year is distributed in annunities not exceeding £10 each. Before 1920, a smaller number of annuities were in payment, as the maximum amount of an annuity was then £20, but under a Royal Warrant dated 6th November, 1920, the maximum amount was limited to £10.
As these annuities can be awarded only to certain long-service soldiers, the recently increased establishment of the Army will not increase the number of 1197W soldiers whose names are now being registered for the award of the medal and annuity.