§ 45. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many persons were affected by the reduction of special campaign pensions during 1932, and the estimated savings?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)About 1,700 persons were affected by the reduction, and the saving for that year is estimated to be between £5,000 and £6,000. As the proportion of pensions at the old rates decreases, the annual saving will increase progressively.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the hardships inflicted upon many of these old campaigners, have the Government considered the possibility of restoring the cuts?
§ Mr. COOPERThe Government does not consider that any harm is inflicted. No one in receipt of pension previous to 1931 has had any cut made.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent recipients of campaign pensions cannot afford any reduction in the small modicum of practical appreciation which they get?
§ Mr. COOPERReductions were made in accordance with the fall in the cost of living.