HC Deb 16 February 1926 vol 191 cc1696-7
23. Colonel APPLIN

asked the Secretary of State for War under what Act of Parliament pensions were paid to the workers in the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock in 1861 and from the 4th June, 1870, to 31st December, 1889; why these pensions ceased at the latter date; and under what authority the Act granting these pensions become inoperative?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)

Workmen who entered the Royal Small Arms Factory after 17th December, 1861, were no longer entitled to pension, under the Regulations made under the Superannuation Act, 1859. Owing, however, to a failure to bring this condition effectively to notice, men who entered between 17th December, 1861, and 4th June, 1870, were considered to have had a reasonable expectation of receiving pension, and a special Act was passed, the Superannuation Act, 1890, to enable pensions to be granted to men entering between those dates in respect of their service rendered up to 31st December, 1889.

Colonel APPLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that pensions for the workers in small arms and other ordnance factories will be considered?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I cannot make any promise that pensions will be granted.