HC Deb 11 August 1919 vol 119 cc884-5
87. Sir A. SHIRLEY BENN

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what pension is awarded to a leading stoker who was invalided for bad eyesight in May, 1917, after nearly twenty years' service in the Royal Navy, who was stated in his certificate of service in May, 1917, to be very good as regards character and superior as regards ability; and whether the pension is a reasonable one for a man who has served nearly twenty years and claims to have a family of four besides himself to keep?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir James Craig)

The amount of pension allowable depends upon the circumstances of invaliding and the nature of the particular case. The leading stoker in question, not having served for twenty-two years, is ineligible for a long-service pension. If invalided for disablement attributable to or aggravated by the Service. he would be awarded a pension at the rate applicable to his disablement, with allowances for children and the additions appropriate in his particular case, including an addition of 3s. a week for length of service

Sir A. BENN

My question did not say the man was invalided because of injury to his eyes through service, but said he was invalided. 1s 5s. 6d. a week sufficient pension for a man of forty-two?

Sir J. CRAIG

My hon. Friend's first, question was a hypothetical one. I can assure him, if he sends me a definite case to deal with, I shall be only too glad to find out what the actual facts are.