§ 71 Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Pensions what is the object the Department has in mind in sending to disabled wounded officers, some of whom have lost limbs during the War and who are at present receiving pensions or allowances, the Circular M.P.O. (a) 644b inquiring as to their present financial position, employment, etc.; is it proposed in certain cases and under certain conditions to reduce pensions and allowances; and will he inform the House in how many instances ex-officers disabled in the War, and to whom disability pensions or allowances have been granted, have been called upon to accept a reduction in these pensions or allowances because it has been discovered that they are able to earn an income in one way or another?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.- Colonel Stanley)Disability retired pay or pension on the ordinary scale rates is in no way affected by the financial position or employment of the pensioner. The inquiry referred to affects only a small class of retired pay at a specially high rate, which is conditional on the Ministry being satisfied that the officer's capacity for earning a living in civil life is or is not seriously affected. Investigation for this purpose is necessary from time to time as part of the normal work of my Department, and I have no record of the number of cases which have been affected.