§ 17. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Secretary for War whether he will consider an Amendment to Army Order 325, of 1919, so that a re-enlisted pensioner who was formerly awarded a modified pension and has since completed 21 years' service shall have his pension reassessed at the revised rates for his pre-War service without the deduction of 10 per cent. which is made in the case of men who have not completed 21 years' service, in view of the fact that the re-enlisted pensioner has served for a longer period than the man who is permitted to take his discharge on modified pension at the present time?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am not prepared in any way to reopen the service of re-enlisted pensioners, who draw their pensions in addition to their pay during such new service as they gave in the War.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this decision is a considerable hardship on a very deserving class of people?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am aware of it, but the whole question of pensions is a very difficult one, as the hon. and gallant Member knows.