88. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that ex-soldiers in receipt of pension now living in Canada are being prejudiced by the low rate of exchange; that in one case a man who is entitled to a monthly pension of £2 11s. 6d. is receiving only £2 0s. 9d.; and whether arrangements will be made to ensure the payment of the full pension due in each case?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)Arrangements are in force under which men resident in Canada before the Great War, who joined the British Forces and have now returned to Canada disabled, may elect to receive pension at the same rates and under the same conditions as men discharged from the Canadian Forces, and thus become independent of fluctuations in the rates of exchange.
In the case, however, of Imperial pensioners who have emigrated since the War these arrangements do not apply. Pension is in their case paid by cheque issued in sterling and the actual amount for which this can be negotiated is governed by the current rate of exchange in the country to which they have emigrated. My right hon. Friend has no power to pay Imperial pensions otherwise than at the rates laid down in the Royal Pension Warrants in order to compensate for an adverse rate of exchange.