§ 9. Mr. PETOasked the Secretary of State for India what is the amount of pension granted to a lieutenant in the Indian Army invalided out of the Service on account of disease contracted and due to his military service in the present War; what pension, under the Royal Warrant of August last, such an officer serving in the British Army would be entitled to on, the basis of pre-war earnings of £600 a year; and when it is expected that a decision will be arrived at to apply the terms of the Royal Warrant to officers who have served in the Indian Army?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Fisher)Under the Royal Warrant of the 26th of November, 1915, a lieutenant of the Indian Army or Indian Army Reserve invalided on account of medical unfitness caused by military service in the present War may be granted a disability gratuity or pension the amount of which varies according to the degree of impairment of his capacity 836 for earning in civil life, the maximum pension being £150 a year. I regret that I cannot answer the second part of the hon. Member's question, which should be addressed to the Minister of Pensions, who is sole interpreter of the Royal Warrant of the 1st of August, 1917. I am not able at present to say when a decision will be reached in regard to the application of Part I. of the Royal Warrant of the 1st of August, 1917, to officers of the Indian Army. The question is complicated, and concerns the Ministry of Pensions as well as the India Office, but the hon. Member May rest assured that it is engaging the attention of both Departments, and that there will be no avoidable delay.
§ Mr. PETOIs he not aware that under the Royal Warrant an officer in His Majesty's Army under the circumstances detailed in my question would receive a pension of £450 if totally incapacitated, whereas in the case of the Indian Army the pension would only he £150?
§ Mr. FISHERThe whole of the subject dealt with in the question is under consideration.
§ Colonel YATECan the right hon. Gentleman say what the complication is that delays a settlement?
§ Mr. FISHERMore than one Department is concerned.
§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSWill the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that the officers concerned will not suffer by the delay in coming to a decision between the two Departments? Will their pensions be ante-dated?