§ 48. Major Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the Prime Minister if he can state when the Pre-War Pensioners Amendment Bill will be brought in; if such amending Bill will be retrospective; if he is aware that in the meantime a number of pensioners are dying off; and if the money will in such cases be paid to their legal representatives?
§ 60. Sir LEONARD LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether, and, if so, when he proposes to introduce a Bill modifying the Pensions (Increase) Act of 1920; and whether the Government has received any representations on the financial plight of many of the pre-War pensioners who are hoping for benefit?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is the desire of the Government to introduce a Bill to amend the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, at the earliest possible opportunity. I am aware that disappointment is being caused by the delay in the matter, which is due to causes outside the control of the Government. As soon as it becomes possible to introduce the Bill, I will consider to what extent its provisions can be made retrospective.
§ Sir B. FALLEWill that be before Easter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say.
§ Mr. HAYESWill the Bill have a retrospective effect, as promised by the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill the Bill include ex-pensioners of the Royal Irish Constabulary and ex-service men in Ireland? I would like an answer to that question.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThose questions had better be put down.