§ 91. Rear-Admiral ADAIRasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, if he is aware that an ex-member of the Royal Irish Constabulary who desires to commute his pension for the purpose of emigrating is charged a fee by the Treasury for so doing which in some cases amounts to as much as £10; for what purpose is the fee charged; and will the Treasury take immediate steps to cancel their orders on the subject and, in cases where the fee has been charged, to refund the amount to the individual concerned?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Sir Robert Horne)The prescribed fee under the Pensions Commutation Acts, which is charged for the purpose of meeting the cost of the requisite medical examinations and other expenses of the Pensions Commutation Board, is one per cent. of the capital sum granted, with a minimum of £1 and a maximum of £10. I regret that I cannot see my way to exempt ex-members of the Royal Irish Constabulary who desire to commute their compensation allowances from the application of the ordinary regulations in this respect, which for many years have been applicable to naval and military officers commuting their retired pay.