HC Deb 06 November 1918 vol 110 cc2084-5
85. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Pensions Minister whether an ex-officer who applies for training and cannot be placed can draw maintenance allowance whilst waiting in the same manner as is possible for the discharged soldier?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

The answer is in the negative. The circumstances are very different, and in the case of officers the necessity for this special provision is not found to exist.

Colonel ASHLEY

Is it not a fact that unfortunately in many cases the ex-officer has only his pension to live on; and has no private means of his own?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

That may be so, but the question is whether there is a waiting list and we are not aware of it.

Colonel ASHLEY

If there is a waiting list, will they get it?

Sir GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

If that state of affairs arises, we shall be prepared to consider it.

Mr. HOGGE

Are you training any?

86. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the Pensions Minister whether any increase in the maintenance allowances for officers undergoing treatment has been made similar to that recently granted to the men?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

No revision of the scale of maintenance allowances for officers undergoing treatment is considered to be necessary. In this connection I may refer my Noble Friend to the answer I gave to the question put to me on the 22nd October by the hon. Member for the Hornsey Division of Middlesex.

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is there any reason why officers should be treated less generously than the men?

Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWEN

I do not think they are treated less generously. As I pointed out in reply to the question, the pensions are put up to the highest rate of the total disablement rate; in addition to that, any maintenance due for treatment is paid by the State.