HC Deb 13 May 1919 vol 115 cc1423-4
41. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the very great increase in the cost of living since the Victoria Cross was first instituted, £10 a year for a Victoria Cross recipient in normal circumstances, or £50 a year for one who is quite unable to earn a livelihood in consequence of age or infirmity, is inadequate; and, if not, whether he is prepared to consider an increase of 50 per cent. to those amounts?

Mr. FORSTER

The awards referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend are honorary grants and have no relation to the cost of living, but the question shall be taken into consideration in the general revision of the terms and conditions of service of the future Army.

Colonel ASHLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that the old soldier who won the Victoria Cross before the War only got £50 to live on? He is not very handsomely rewarded by the State.

Mr. FORSTER

I am not sure I can accept that from my hon. Friend. He leaves out of account the disability pensions.

42. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that special pensions are awarded to recipients of the Victoria Cross, if they be warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, or privates, but not if they be officers; and whether he will consider a modification of this Regulation so as to admit of the grant of a Victoria Cross pension at least to those Victoria Cross officers who received their commissions from the ranks for services in the War?

Mr. FORSTER

A Victoria Cross annuity awarded during service in the ranks continues to be drawn if the holder is subsequently commissioned. It is not proposed to extend such annuities to officers awarded the Victoria Cross, and it would be quite impracticable to make a distinction in this respect between different officers according to whether they had served in the ranks.

Colonel ASHLEY

Cannot some addition be made in respect of an officer whose financial position is obviously of a meagre character?

Mr. FORSTER

The question is whether or not the Victoria Cross was gained while the man was serving in the ranks or as a commissioned officer. If he gained it as a commissioned officer I think he must abide by the rules relating to all commissioned officers.

Colonel ASHLEY

Are not many of the now commissioned officers poor men?

Mr. FORSTER

We shall, I hope, deal with them in the revision of their pay.