§ 91. Colonel YATEasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer has stated that he will look into the question of reducing the rate of interest to be charged under the Pensions Commutation Act, 1871, he will take into consideration the modification of the rules for the commutation of pensions by officers of the Army on lines similar to those recently published by the Government of India, namely, on a 3½ per cent. basis instead of a 5 per cent., and the limitation of the amount to be commuted to a quarter or to, at any rate, not more than a third of the amount of the pension?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave the hon. and gallant Member on this subject on the 21st January last. An amendment of the Pensions Commutation Act would appear to be necessary to effect the change suggested, and so far as the Army Council is concerned I can hold out no hope of such legislation being undertaken.
§ Colonel YATEWill the Army Council press the question upon the Treasury?
§ Mr. H. BAKERI think the hon. and gallant Member has already addressed a question to the Treasury.
§ Colonel YATEIs the hon. Member aware the Treasury said that they would look into it? Will the Army Council now make their representations?
§ Mr. BAKERIt is a question of time. I can hold out no hope that legislation will be introduced. I have consulted my right hon. Friend.