33. Sir F. HALLasked the Pensions Minister if a Regular soldier who joined the Army in September, 1898, served in the South African campaign, transferred to the Reserve in September, 1905, and reengaged in Section D in 1910, and, as the result of a communication from the Army authorities, re-engaged on the Reserve for a further four years from May, 1914, is entitled, after completing twenty and a half years' continuous service with the Colours and the Reserve and being invalided out after serving in the present War, to a pension allowance; and, if so, of what amount?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of PENSIONS (Colonel Sir James Craig)In the circumstances stated, if the soldier were invalided out for a disability due to service he would receive a pension at least as large in amount as that which under the Royal Warrant of April, 1918, corresponds to his rank and degree of disablement. It is possible that he may be eligible for a higher pension by reason of his previous Army service, but that can only be decided on the facts of a particular case. If my hon. and gallant Friend has such a case in mind and will send me the particulars, I will have it investigated.
Sir F. HALLIn the case of a man doing twenty or twenty and a-half years' service similar to this who has been demobilised, would he be able to obtain a pension?
§ Sir J. CRAIGPerhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me the case he has in mind. I would rather judge of it in that way than make a statement in the House.