§ 12. Mr. BRIANTasked the Secretary of State for War and Air if ex-soldier clerks employed in his Department are told to declare the amount of their Army pension; and, if so, whether this is contrary to the practice in other Departments?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSON (Parliamentary Secretary, War Office)With a view to reducing any hardship arising out of the discharge of ex-soldier clerks on reduction of staff, it has been the practice, other considerations being equal, to give preference in the matter of retention among men of this class to those who are wholly dependent on their earnings. It was therefore desirable to have information as to the amount of Army pension, if any, of which these clerks are in receipt, but the giving of this information is purely voluntary. The War Office is not aware what is the practice of other Departments.
§ Mr. BRIANTDo I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that there is no pressure whatever put upon the clerks to divulge the pensions?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am told not.