§ 27. Mr. DARBISHIREasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will explain why M. Meaney, Army Pay Corps, a life pensioner (6th December, 1919, Chelsea Commissioners), ceased to he entitled to his life pension; and what is the Army Regulation which provides for such cancellation?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Lieut. - Colonel Jackson)Mr. Meaney was granted in December, 1919, a service pension of 8d. a day under Army Order 330 of 1918, as he had 14 years' service, and it was thought that his temporary disability pension from the Ministry of Pensions would be made permanent. In June, 1922, his disability had fallen below 20 per cent., and he ceased to be entitled to a separate disability pension and therefore to the Chelsea pension under Army Order 330 of 1918. He was, however, awarded a permanent pension of 8d. a day for service and disability combined under Article 1163 of the Pay Warrant of 1914. The answer to the last part of the question is, Army Order 330 of 1918.
§ Mr. DARBISHIREAm I not correct in saying that a life pension was granted to him by the Chelsea Commissioners, and that there was no condition or qualification whatsoever?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JACKSONI think that that is answered in the reply which I have given.
43 and 44. Lieut. - Colonel HODGEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) how many officers have been transferred from other corps or regiments to the Royal Army Pay Corps since the Armistice; how many of those officers so transferred are either chartered or incorporated accountants;
§ (2) how many regular commissions have been granted in the Royal Army Pay 1259 Corps since the Armistice; and how many of those who have received such regular commissions, excluding those to officers transferred from other corps or regiments, are either chartered or incorporated accountants?
§ Lieut.-Colonel JACKSONThe number of new commissions granted is 36, and the number of officers transferred is 14. Out of these numbers, 4 officers and 1 officer respectively were chartered or incorporated accountants.
Lieut.-Colonel HODGEIs it considered to be in the interests of sound financial administration that men should be transferred from a combatant arm of the Service to an important financial department of the Army?