HC Deb 17 July 1924 vol 176 c590
66. Major HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state, approximately, how many serving soldiers completed time during the War and were retained as pensioners mobilised?

Mr. LAWSON

The number in question is 3,400, approximately.

Major COLFOX

Is it not a fact that no soldier who has completed his time is kept on pension, because as soon as their service is completed they are discharged? Does he not mean something more like "completed their engagement"?

Major HORE-BELISHA

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the Navy the pensionable time does not cease with a completion of the contract, and will he review this matter?

Mr. LAWSON

Sometimes the pensionable period finished during the War, and special arrangements were made which would be too long for me to explain to the House in answer to a question.

Major COLFOX

Is it not a fact that the expression "completed time" would apply to the serving of a sentence?

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