HC Deb 07 December 1922 vol 159 cc1955-6
3. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can remove the discrimination now obtaining between the scales of pensions and treatment meted out to regular officers compared with temporary officers suffering the same percentage of disability arising out of their service in the late War?

Major TRYON

I cannot agree that regular officers are at a disadvantage as compared with temporary officers. In almost all cases regular officers receive half-pay rate as a permanent pension, even if disablement is slight or temporary. In cases of total disablement there is an addition of £150 to the service rate. Where the officer retired for reasons other than those of ill-health and was granted a service gratuity, but not service retired pay, he may receive as a concession disability retired pay of £100 a year.

Mr. JONES

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information?

Major TRYON

I have had my attention called to this complicated question which involves two Departments; but my information on the subject is what I have just stated in my answer.

4. Mr. JONES

further asked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that regular officers in receipt of £100 per annum for total incapacity caused by service in the late War who are admitted to a Ministry of Pensions hospital for treatment necessitated by their disability are charged the sum of 3ls. 6d. per week, which is deducted out of their weekly pension of 38s. 6d., leaving a bare 7s. per week upon which the families of such officers are forced to exist: and will he inquire into this matter?

Major TRYON

The hon. Member is, I presume, referring to certain exceptional cases of regular officers who have retired for reasons other than ill-health and have been granted service gratuities—generally in lieu of retired pay. The facts are as stated, but I may remind the hon. Member that the Special Grants Committee have power to grant allowances for wife and children to an officer under treatment for a disability due to War service who is in need.

Mr. JONES

If case? of this kind are brought to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman, will he give them his serious and favourable consideration?

Major TRYON

As to that, I shall be glad to consider any case brought to my notice by the hon. Gentleman.