§ Major ARCHER-SHEEasked why the Army Council have refused to allow the retirement of Captain and Quartermaster A. M. Haywood, 6th Dragoon Guards, in view of the fact that this officer has completed more than ten years' commissioned service, but less than twenty years' service as laid down in Article 490, Royal Warrant, and is therefore entitled tinder Article 529b, Royal Warrant, to a pension of £200 per annum, less £10 per annum for each complete year short of twenty years' service; and whether, under the circumstances, 697 this case may be reconsidered and the retirement on reduced pension be now allowed.
§ Colonel SEELYUnder Article 525 of the Royal Warrant for Pay, etc., a Quartermaster is not entitled to retire voluntarily until he has completed twenty years' service as laid down in Article 490. The reduced rate allowed by Article 529 (b) is applicable only to a Quartermaster compulsorily retired under Article 527 through not being recommended for continuance in the Service. This officer was informed to this effect in August last.
§ Major ARCHER-SHEEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of amending the Royal Warrant so as to remove any doubt on the point, seeing that this constitutes a serious hardship to these officers
§ Colonel SEELYIf there be any doubt I shall be glad to have it removed. But as I read the regulation I do not think there can be any doubt on the matter. Only on compulsory retirement is a gratuity payable.