HC Deb 20 May 1919 vol 116 cc175-6
77. Lieut. - Colonel ARCHER - SHEE

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that men with fourteen years' service who have been discharged disabled and have elected to receive a small permanent pension under Article 1163 of the Royal Warrant in lieu of a gratuity are not being paid the 20 per cent. war bonus on that pension; and whether, in view of the fact that these pensions have been granted as much for disablement as for service, he will consider the grant to them forthwith of the bonus aforementioned?

Sir J. CRAIG

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The principal factor in the award of pen- sions under Article 1163 is length of service, and in substance the pension is to be regarded as a service pension.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman admits that this pension was granted partly for disablement, cannot he reconsider the question?

Sir J. CRAIG

My hon. and gallant Friend will understand that the pension in respect of fourteen years' service or more is not eligible for bonus, nor is a special grant which is given in lieu of pension subject to the 20 per cent. bonus, and therefore in computing the two and making a like pension it is only natural that the same conditions must be observed.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

In this case this pension is granted partly for disablement, and surely that requires more generous treatment?

Sir J. CRAIG

But on the question of disablement, where only a grant was given in lieu of pension, the grant does not carry a bonus, and in this particular case it was a combination of two grants, neither of which carries a bonus.