§ 34. Colonel PERKINSasked the Secretary of State for War whether, to stimulate recruiting, the Army Council has considered the desirability of guaranteeing security to both officers and men who accept the published terms of enlistment or engagement; whether the present Ministry adheres to the contrary policy, which ruined the careers of a large number of non-commissioned officers and men by curtailing re-engagements for pension; and whether he will consider the extension of pensions to men who are discharged against their will on reduction of establishment?
§ Mr. WALSHThe hon. and gallant Member raises questions of policy which I cannot deal with within the limits of a Parliamentary answer, but the general answer is that whilst neither the Army nor any other public service is recruited on a basis of absolute security of tenure irrespective of the public interest, curtailment of service would only be resorted to with great reluctance and to meet a public necessity. I may add that, at present, men who complete 12 years' service with the Colours are allowed, if fit and satisfactory, to reengage and serve on for pension, and also that the Royal Warrant for pay makes provision for pensions for men discharged on reduction of establishment after 14 years' service.