HC Deb 21 March 1918 vol 104 c1290
Colonel YATE

I wish to say one word with regard to the pay of officers, a question which I hope the Financial Secretary of the War Office will take into his consideration during the Recess. My first point is as to the position of officers who have completed their time for pension, but are compulsorily retained in the Service owing to the War and are not allowed to draw the pension to which they are entitled. Now, a soldier who has served twenty-two years is permitted to draw his pension if he is retained in the Service, but that privilege is refused to officers. It may be asked, what is a pension? I say a pension is deferred pay. It is given to officers and men for a certain time of service. The Financial Secretary suggests that officers do not serve a fixed time and are, therefore, not entitled to get the pension, but I am urging that officers do serve a fixed time, and when they do so they are entitled to the pension.

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