HC Deb 16 November 1911 vol 31 cc506-7
Mr. JOHN GORDON (Londonderry)

had upon the Notice Paper a question asking whether there has been no revision or increase in the pensions for commissary officers in India since 1868, although the pensions of officers holding similar rank in the Home Army have been increased since that time and are now much higher than those of commissary officers in the Indian service; whether any steps will be taken to increase the pensions of these commissary officers and put them on a more equitable basis; and, if not, what is the reason for refusing to do so?

Captain CRAIG

On behalf of my hon. and learned Friend I beg to ask the honourable maid of all work this question.

Mr. ILLINGWORTH

No, Sir. The pensions of the officers referred to were increased in 1904. I am not aware that the present rates compare unfavourably with those allowed to similar officers in the Home Army.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

I beg to ask you, Sir, if you heard the offensive expression of the hon. Gentleman opposite?

Mr. C. CRAIG

Before you deal with that, Sir, may I ask you if you also heard the laughter of hon. Gentlemen opposite?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think it was rather a compliment than offensive.