§ 27. Colonel ASHLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has been arrived at in regard to the revision of rates for commutation of pension by warrant officers and men to bring them into line with the rate for officers; and, if so, whether the conditions under which pensions can now be commuted are available?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI regret I can add nothing at present to my reply on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member, but I can assure him that the very laborious actuarial work will be taken actively in hand as soon as the state of business in the War Office will permit.
§ Colonel ASHLEYIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of these non-commissioned officers and men are waiting to emigrate, and cannot do so because they do not know what money they are going to get?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am aware that the question is one that it is desirable to bring to a conclusion as soon as possible; but I should like the hon. and gallant Member to know that the Financial Department of the War Office is being very hard pressed, and is utterly unable to take in hand this big task at the present time.