§ 2. Mr. C. WHITEasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that, although it was decided by Parliament that no alteration should be made in War Pensions on account of the increase or decrease in the cost of living before April, 1923, pensioners are now receiving notification that the pension may be re-adjusted according to the increase or decrease in the cost of living in the year 1922; whether any pensions have already been reduced; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent these communications being sent to pensioners?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThere will be no alteration in the rates of pension and allowance specified in the second Schedule to the Royal Warrant before the 1st April, 1923, and then only in accordance with the cost of living for the year 1922 as compared with that for the year 1919. I regret to find that in some forms which have been issued the date, 1st April, 1923, was incorrectly printed as 1st April, 1922. All possible steps have been taken to correct this error and I feel satisfied that no misapprehension on the point need now exist.
§ Mr. WHITEHas any pension been reduced in consequence of this circular being sent out to pensioners?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am informed not. If the hon. Member has any case in which he has the least doubt, he can send it to me.