§ 18. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that officers disabled by former wars draw 50 per cent. less pension than officers disabled in the Great War; and whether he will inquire as to whether this anomaly could be removed?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)I have been asked to reply to this question. My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that officers disabled in former wars receive 50 per cent. less pension than officers disabled in the Great War. On the contrary, express provision was made in 1919 for the general re-assessment of former war pensions at the rate appropriate to the present degree of disablement under the Great War Warrants. If my hon. and gallant Friend has a case in mind, and will give me particulars, I shall be glad to look into the facts.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that they are not getting the 50 per cent. increase in respect of the cost of living, which is paid to pre-war pensioners?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYIf the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars, I will look into them, but my information is to the contrary.