HC Deb 11 February 1930 vol 235 c194
6. Mr. SAVERY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he proposes to reopen the question relating to pensions of ex-ranker officers?

Mr. SHAW

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 2nd December to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Captain P. Macdonald), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. HANNON

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ex-ranker officers have been treated much worse than any other section of the Service arising out of the Great War, and will he consider some means of helping these poor fellows?

Mr. SHAW

As late as 1925, a special committee was set up to consider this matter. The House thoroughly discussed the question at the time, and I cannot hold out any hope of a change of authority.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Did not the Socialist party at that time vote against the findings of the committee and in favour of these men, and will he not give further consideration to the matter?

Mr. SHAW

I am not aware that the Socialist party did anything of the kind. They might have done. I cannot say. I can only answer for myself. There is no prospect of a change of policy so far as the Ministry is concerned.