HC Deb 14 June 1932 vol 267 cc176-7
16. Sir BERTRAM FALLE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of Army officers retired who are now employed under Government and are in receipt of pay plus pension; and what the annual cost to the country is?

Mr. COOPER

I regret that this information is not readily available and a large volume of work would be involved in obtaining it. In the circumstances, I trust that my hon. Friend will not press for it.

Mr. LUNN

If there are men of this kind in the Government service, is it not a case where economy could be obtained?

Mr. COOPER

It would not be practicable to search through the records of 10,000 men to find out whether any of them are in Government employment. It is questions of this kind which mean an increase in the staffs of Government Departments which hon. Members are inclined to deplore.

Mr. McGOVERN

Could not the Government prohibit Army officers who are receiving fairly good allowances from taking second jobs?

Viscountess ASTOR

Are there not trade union leaders with two jobs?

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

Is not the pension of an officer in the nature of deferred pay?

Mr. COOPER indicated assent.

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