§ 25. Mr. HOGGEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, when a pension is revised at Chelsea, the recipient is asked what wages he is earning and is informed that failure to reply will result in forfeiture of pension; why on revision the earning capacity is not considered; whether he is aware that many pensioners are only employed on account of the patriotic action of employers and because in many eases they cannot at the moment secure able-bodied men; and whether he proposes to introduce a fairer and better system?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe pension is based upon earning capacity, not on earnings only. The man is asked about his earnings so that his actual position may be in view, but I am aware of the goodwill which is reflected in the amount of wages paid to disabled soldiers in many cases. The present system, as my hon. Friend is aware, is in accordance with the recommendations of the Select Committee of this House to which these questions were referred.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman consider the Report of the Select Committee consulted as to the basis of the pension?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is their direct representation.
§ Mr. W. THORNEWhere there is a case of the reduction of the wages of an ex-soldier or sailor, is he at liberty to apply for a revision?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is nothing to prevent a pensioner applying for a revision of his pension at any time, but naturally he would not do so unless he had good grounds for asking for a revision. The mere fact of a reduction in wages would not be a good ground on which to make application, but if there is anything in the nature of his physical condition being affected, or increased disability, or anything of that kind, it would be very carefully considered.
§ Mr. FORSTERWe want to know exactly what he is earning.