§ 69. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether non-commissioned officers and men, on being commissioned, cease to be entitled to the gratuity of £1 per annum granted to men whose service does not obtain for them a pension; and, if so, whether he will cancel this provision which inflicts hardship on men commissioned from the ranks?
§ Mr. FORSTERA soldier discharged on receiving a commission as an officer draws the gratuity due to him up to date of discharge. I do not understand my Noble Friend to suggest that an officer who has served in the ranks should specially continue to earn the gratuity.
§ 70. Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the assessment of the gratuity granted under Article 572a of the Royal Warrant to non-commissioned officers who have received commissions, no account is taken of any part of a year but only of the complete years service; and whether he will modify the method of assessment so that these officers may receive a gratuity for the full period of their service?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe Regulation referred to follows the usual rule in matters of retired pay and pension, of counting completed years only. It is not proposed to alter it.