HC Deb 27 February 1919 vol 112 c1925
9. Mr. PERCY

asked the Pensions Minister whether provision has been made, or is about to be made, for such increase of the pensions of the Indian Mutiny, the Crimean, and other veteran pensioners as will approximately correspond to the increased cost of living?

Captain GUEST

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Soldiers under the age of seventy who are drawing special campaign pensions have been granted an extra 2s. 6d. a week. Old age pensioners get an extra 2s. 6d. a week. Soldiers discharged as unfit through injuries or sickness as a result of service in wars prior to 1914 may be granted increased pensions by the Ministry of Pensions if totally incapacitated.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that that does not apply to any pension at all unless it is on the same scale as a specific disability pension; there are hundreds of thousands of men involved?

Captain GUEST

This question deals specifically with Indian Mutiny and Crimean veterans.

Mr. HOGGE

That is precisely what I am asking: whether my hon. and gallant Friend is aware that the veterans of the Indian Mutiny and the Crimea do not receive pensions now on this specific disability scale, and never did? Will he use his influence with the War Office to get them an increase on account of the increased cost of living?

Captain GUEST

I shall be glad to submit that question to the Financial Department.