HC Deb 12 March 1929 vol 226 cc979-80
11. Sir R. HUTCHISON

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Captain A. E. Cooper, M.C., 11th service batalion, the West Yorkshire Regiment, has had his pension re-assessed on the basis of his pre-War non-commissioned rank, namely £123 5s. 6d. a year only and without addition for his Military Cross, whereas, if he had finished his service as a Royal Marine lieutenant instead of as an Army captain his pension would have been £274 a year; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in this and many similar cases, he will consider extending the terms of the Royal Warrant of 3rd May, 1918, to all pensioned warrant and non-commissioned officers who received temporary commissions in the Army during the War?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

As regards the first part of the question the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. Captain Cooper would not be eligible for a higher rate of pension than he is receiving if he had been granted a temporary commission in the Royal Marines. As regards the last part of the question, this claim is one of those which were fully considered by the committee which reported on the claims of ex-ranker officers, and I am not prepared to re-open the question.