18. Commander KINGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what steps are being taken with regard to increasing the pensions of officers and men who were totally incapacitated while serving in the Royal Navy previous to the present War and otherwise than on war service, in view of the fact that the increased cost of living renders the pre sent amounts insufficient to provide the recipients with the necessaries of life?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAOn the assumption that the question of my hon. and gallant Friend refers to pensions which have been granted on account of disablement directly due to the Service under peace conditions, I can only say at present that the matter is now under consideration between the Ministry of Pensions and this Department.
Commander KINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that many of these men within the last four years have been 362 forced to seek assistance from the rates and from charity in order to exist, and will he recommend the grant of a bonus while the matter is under discussion?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAIt is not necessary to say that I sympathise fully with these gentlemen, and I regret to say that the matter was before the Soldiers' and Sailors' Pay Committee this week, and I have no authority to carry it beyond that.