14. Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Pensions Minister whether an ex-Service man's pension is a legal right or is in the nature of a charitable gift from the Royal bounty; and, if the latter, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to remove pensions from the realm of charity and give them a legal basis?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSA pension is paid out of moneys for the administration of which a Minister of the Crown is responsible to Parliament, and is neither a legal right nor a charitable gift from the Royal bounty. It is, in fact, upon precisely the same footing as the pay of the serving soldier, which is also granted under Royal Warrants. The Select Committee will no doubt consider this matter.