HC Deb 03 March 1924 vol 170 cc967-8
43. Mr. JOHN HARRIS

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to set up a Select Committee to deal with the position and grievances of the ex-ranker officers; and, if so, when he hopes to be in a position to announce the names of the members of this Select Committee and the terms of reference?

37. Major HORE-BELISHA

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now come to a conclusion in respect of the claims of ex-Army ranker officers in regard to their assessment for pensions on the basis of non-commissioned rank?

48. Captain BULLOCK

asked the Prime Minister if he can state the composition of the Committee which proposes to inquire into the case of the ex-Army ranker officers; and whether he can state the scope and procedure of the inquiry?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have gone through the papers of this case, and, after consultation with the Secretary of State for War, am of opinion that they might be sent to a Select Committee. The terms of reference I propose will be to consider the claims that have been made by ex-ranker officers, and to report. If agreement is signified through the usual channels, immediate steps will be taken to constitute the Committee.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that an Amendment on this subject is down for Debate on the Army Estimates, and in view of the fact that he has pledged himself and his party to remedy this grievance in the immediate future, will he take that appropriate opportunity to leave this matter to a free vote of this House?

The PRIME MINISTER

What I propose to do I have explained in the answer to the question. It is apparent that the question is not clear as to what the grievances were. I have gone through all the papers. But I should like the House to take upon itself the responsibility of settling this matter. We are not in a majority here, and, therefore, we think it appropriate for the whole House to take the responsibility of settling the question. In those conditions no Whips will be put on.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Is it a fact that in the Debate on the Army Estimates the House will have an opportunity of deciding for itself?

Mr. HOGGE

What is the use of a Select Committee, when the majority of Members of this House are already pledged?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should hope that the report would be available before the Army Estimates are discussed.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Before a fortnight?

The PRIME MINISTER

Surely. There is very little to be settled. The Committee can do its work at once. It is perfectly simple.

Mr. HARRIS

Suppose that agreement be not secured through the usual channels, what steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in the matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a hypothetical question.