HC Deb 27 November 1919 vol 121 cc1868-70
16. Colonel ASHLEY

asked the Pensions Minister if he can state the reason why disabled men in receipt of service pensions are only being paid disablement pensions under the scales laid down in the 1918 warrant instead of the higher scales, with wife allowance, as laid down in the warrant of September last; whether he is aware that disabled service pensioners who have received disablement pensions under the last-named warrant are now being asked to refund the overpayments; and if he will state the authority for this action?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The facts are not quite as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. The scales of service pension have been increased for certain classes of pension to meet the increased cost of living. As following the recommendation of the Select Committee on Pensions, the rates of Disablement Pensions were increased for precisely the same reason, the Government deciding that in cases where both disablement and service pensions were payable, payment should not be made at the increased rates for both classes of pensions concurrently. The new warrant will, therefore, provide that in cases where the service pension is payable at the higher rate, the disablement pension shall be based on a maximum of 33s. instead of 40s., but the allowance for a wife and the new rates of children's allowances will be payable.

It is not intended to ask for a refund from future issues of pension in any of the few cases where, prior to the Government's decision, payment at the higher rates both of disablement and service pension may already have been made. If my hon. and gallant Friend can give me particulars of any cases where repayment has been claimed, I will investigate them.

Colonel ASHLEY

In respect to the general principle, is not the Government doing exactly what is objected to in private individuals, namely, reducing a man's wages by asking what is the amount of his disability pension?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I think not. It is only with regard to the element of increase in cost of living that it is taken into account at all.

Colonel ASHLEY

Does not that apply-equally to wages?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, wages are not taken into account at all, but these are both payments from public funds which overlap with regard to the cost of living.