21. Captain HAYasked the Minister of Pensions what is the reason for the Regulation which prevents him from commuting low percentage pensions; and, in view of the number of applications from holders of such pensions for commutation with a view to raise funds to emigrate, whether the Government will relax the Regulation so that some small outlet may be opened for idle ex-service craftsmen?
§ Major TRYONThis Regulation, which is common both to my own Department and to the Service Departments, was made with the object of ensuring that the man should not be entirely destitute in the event of failure involving complete loss of capital. Experience has shown the necessity for this rule. I may add, however, that an advance of 26 weeks' pension can generally be arranged when a pensioner is about to emigrate to a British possession.