HC Deb 26 October 1911 vol 30 cc302-3
Captain CRAIG

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the recent regulations issued containing the new scale of Army pensions are retrospective, or whether they apply only to officers joining subsequent to the issue of the Regulations?

Colonel SEELY

The new Regulations are retrospective, subject to the rights reserved to officers now in the Service.

Captain CRAIG

Is it not a fact that the new Regulations go back rather on the promise made to the officers when they joined? Is it not a fact that the War Office are not prepared to keep their promise to the officers when they joined?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think that is I an accurate description of the change, but it is a complicated matter, and, if the hon. and gallant Member likes, I will send him a memorandum showing how the Regulations affect the different officers.

Captain CRAIG

The right hon. Gentleman does not deny that in the case of many officers their retiring pensions are less than, those promised when they joined?

Colonel SEELY

The change is an advantage to some classes and a disadvantage to others financially, at any rate apparently; but all the vested rights of officers are preserved.