HC Deb 14 October 1912 vol 42 cc786-7
75. Mr. BURGOYNE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many ex-soldier clerks at the War Office are in receipt of an Army pension, and how many are without such pension?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Colonel Seely)

There are 143 with Army pensions and 106 without such pensions.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Edward Ward stated before the Royal Commission to Miss Haldane that all ex-soldier clerks employed at the War Office receive pensions?

Colonel SEELY

What the hon. Member has referred to is the fact. All these ex-soldiers receive all their pension, but what was stated did not mean that all the ex-soldiers are to receive pensions, because they do not.

Mr. BURGOYNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make that fact plain, because the misunderstanding has done a great deal of harm?

Colonel SEELY

We have already made it as plain as we can, and what has been said to-day will make it plainer.