§ 86. Lieutenant-Colonel BURGOYNEasked the Secretary of State for War when it is proposed to issue the new scale of pensions for officers of the Regular Army; whether he is aware that until such scale is published there is bound to be a block in promotions as a result of supernumerary promotions made during the War; whether, in estimating the new pensions, the extra expenses of regular officers during the last four and a half years, their loss of health and the extra cost of living generally, will be taken into consideration; and whether he will consider the advisability of putting the pension rates on a sliding scale, so that officers may start drawing pensions after a lesser period of service than has hitherto obtained, thus giving them a chance to start employment in civil life at a younger age?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAll these points will be fully borne in mind in the consideration of the whole question of officers' emoluments which is now proceeding. It is impossible for me to name a date for the conclusion of so complex a matter at a time of pressure like the present.