HC Deb 30 January 1929 vol 224 cc921-2
15. Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether seeing that a man who is eligible for both disablement and service pensions under the existing regulations is only awarded the larger pension in full and one-half of the other, he will consider amending the regulations so that a man will receive the full amount of both disablement and service pensions to which he is separately entitled?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Head lam)

The present method of combining the service and disablement elements in these cases was determined after very full and careful consideration, and is common to the three fighting Services. I regret that I am unable to entertain the suggestion that it should be modified.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say why a man should not draw two pensions if he has earned two pensions, one for service and one to compensate him for his disablement'?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The system is infinitely more favourable now than it was before the War. A Committee has gone very carefully into the whole matter, and it was decided, in view of the fact that the pensions are considerably larger than before the War, that this would be the fairest way of doing it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Is not an ex-service man, on the final determination of his degree of disability, entitled to the full amount of pension both for disablement and for service?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I think that in certain cases that is so, hut I should like further notice of that question.

16. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of ratings, and the percentage to the total strength, invalided out of the Navy in each of the years ending December, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927 and 1928; and the number in each year that were granted disability pensions?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

As the reply is in tabular form I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Year. Number Invalided. Percentage to total strength. Number awarded disability pensions.
1922 2,028 2 379
1923 1,474 1.6 322
1924 1,330 1.5 543
1925 1.517 1.7 522
1926 1,726 1.9 561
1927 1,342 1.5 442
1928 1,242 1.3 402