§ 43. Mr. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the case of Captain T. Bromley, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, who, having been convicted of defalcations by court-martial, and having served 18 months in prison for this offence, is now deprived of the whole of his pension to meet these defalcations; and is he aware that anex gratia allowance for the maintenance of his wife and family was reduced by one-half, on his discharge, though owing to the condition of his health his return to his home is an additional burden on the family's resources?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am aware that the ex-officer to whom my hon. and gallant Friend refers was sentenced to a period of imprisonment for larceny and conversion of public moneys. As public funds suffered to the extent of over £1,000, the Ministry of Pensions, at the request of the War Office, have withheld the disability retired pay, and the amount so withheld has been set off against the loss. I see no reason for varying that arrangement. The last part of the question regarding the amount of theex gratia allowance, should be addressed to my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Pensions.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a double punishment for one offence? Is that in accordance with the principles of English justice?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI believe that it is in accordance with the principles of English justice. It is not a double punishment; it is a recovery of the loss to the public funds caused by this man.