§ 42. Major HORE-BELISHAasked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes, in the immediate future, to take steps to remedy the grievance of ranker officers in respect of their assessment for pension on the basis of non-commissioned rank?
§ Mr. WALSHI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the replies which I gave on the 12th instant, to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. LANSBURYWill the Minister receive a deputation of Members of all parties in the House, and enable us to put reasons to him why this matter should be re-considered?
§ Major HORE - BELISHAIs the Minister aware that officers in this category are receiving, after 24 years' service, pensions of 15s. 9d., and does he consider that they can live on that sum?
§ Mr. B. SMITHIs the Minister aware that the Prime Minister and this party are pledged to the hilt in this matter? I have a letter here to that effect by the Prime Minister, offering to accept the four points of the ranker officers' claim.
§ Mr. HANNONHas the Minister given full consideration to the real hardships 1522 suffered by officers of this class, and will he take into consideration some improvement in their present position?
§ Mr. WALSHApart from the fact that the matter has been, in at least two distinct phases, before this House for over four years—I need not say anything about the awful hullaballoo raised at the moment—the Prime Minister himself promised last week that he would again go into it. It is not within my competence to go against a pledge given by the Prime Minister himself in this House. As he himself has promised to go fully into the matter, I cannot carry it any further.