HC Deb 08 May 1893 vol 12 cc1531-2
MR. PENROSE FITZGERALD (Cambridge)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Colonels in the Army on being placed on half-pay are at once informed if it is decided not to offer them further employment; and whether the absence of intimation to that effect indicates that they will be offered further employment?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL - BANNEBMAN,) Stirling, &c

It is optional with Colonels and Lieutenant-Colonels who have completed their period of regimental command to accept the retired pay to which they are entitled, or to go on half-pay on the Active List. If they accept the latter alternative they take their chance with others for employment as it offers. They are aware that their names are recorded for consideration, and in some instances it is intimated to them that their chances of employment are very remote.

MR. PENROSE FITZGERALD

I should like to recall to the memory of the right hon. Gentleman words used in February, 1891, by his predecessor to this effect— We all recognise the injustice of retaining such officers on half-pay unless, in the opinion of the Authorities, they have a reasonable prospect of obtaining employment. We think it right that they should be informed of what their prospects are. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will bear those words in mind.

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I will consider the matter, but I may point out that the words "reasonable prospect" are somewhat elastic.

SIR FREDERICK SEAGERHUNT (Marylebone, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, with reference to his statement to the effect that the Government have thought it desirable to make some addition to the pay of Colonels on half-pay during their period of suspended animation, he is now in a position to inform the House what addition it has been decided to make; and whether the additional payment will take effect from the commencement of the present financial year or from a prior date?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

It is intended to increase the half-pay of the officers in question to £300 per annum. This increase could not take effect before April 1 of this year.