HC Deb 25 June 1925 vol 185 cc1683-4
Mr. BECKETT

asked the Minister of Pensions if he can give any assurance that the proposed stabilisation of war pensions as from October, 1926, will not involve any decrease in the present scale?

9. Mr. STEPHEN

asked the Minister of Pensions when he will be able to inform the House of the changes involved in his proposed scheme for the stabilisation of pensions?

Major TRYON

The period of stabilisation already announced will maintain existing rates beyond the date referred to. While the position of pensioners is thus safeguarded, the general question of stabilisation will, in due course, be the subject of consideration by the Government.

Mr. MACPHERSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Government will be able to consider the question of stabilisation?

Major TRYON

The Government are going to go into this matter, but, as my right hon. Friend knows, there are very grave questions involved before a final decision can be made in a matter so vitally affecting the interests of ex-service men.

Mr. MACKINDER

Would it not be possible at the same time to appoint a Committee to consider the whole question of pensions?

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very great fear amongst ex-service men that a reduction of pensions is intended? Cannot he give some very plain statement that that will not be done?

Major TRYON

I am aware of the great fears which have been created for bye-election purposes amongst ex-service men. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] I am entitled to give a reply to the question put to me. My answer is that I am aware of the anxiety created among ex-service men by a statement that there was a "Tory plot against the pensioners," and I am very glad to have been able to relieve their anxiety by telling them that the statement was absolutely untrue.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, while they may not be afraid of a Tory plot, they may be afraid of the Tories reducing their pensions?

Major TRYON

I can assure the hon. Member that their position is absolutely safeguarded. This Government is only asking from the Opposition the same consideration which was given to the late Government, namely, reasonable time to settle an exceedingly difficult matter.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Did not this anxiety arise as a result of the fact that in the forms sent to ex-service men there is a statement that this revision is likely to take place in 1926? Will the right hon. Gentleman ask for the deletion of that statement from similar orders sent out, so that the doubt will not be there in future?

Major TRYON

The notice drawing attention to the requirements of the Warrant, which was sent out under the late Government, and up to a few days ago, has been altered in form, but until a final decision has been arrived at it is necessary to explain the position to pensioners.

Mr. MACKINDER

Can I have a reply to my supplementary question? Would it be possible at the same time for the Government to appoint a Committee to investigate the whole question of pensions?

Major TRYON

The Government decision not to appoint a Committee has been intimated to the House.