HC Deb 08 November 1934 vol 293 cc1278-80
68. Major MILNER

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that all permanently commissioned warrant officers or noncommissioned officers in the Army, all Marines coming within the Jerram award of 1919, all Marines who were granted full retired pay in 1924, those officers who were granted temporary commissions under A.O. 159 of 1918, and those pensioned warrant and non-commissioned officers who were commissioned to the Indian Army, all receive retired pay as officers, whereas the ex-ranker officers who were urged to take, and did take, temporary commissions during the War only receive soldiers' pensions; and whether he will reconsider the position of the latter class, with a view to putting them on the same basis as regards pension as the former classes?

Mr. HACKING

I would refer the hon. Member to the second part of the answer given by the Lord President of the Council to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham on 23rd July last.

Major MILNER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that since that date 318 Members of the House have put their names to a Motion on the Order Paper, and in the circumstances what is he going to do about it?

Mr. HACKING

I regret to note that 318 Members of the House have put their names on the Order Paper in connection with a memorial in respect of these ex-ranker officers. I would beg Members on my side of the House to study the Barnes Report, and I think they will then realize that these people have no legal right to their claim, and in fact the Barnes Report made out that they had very little, if any, moral right. If hon. Members, knowing this, realised that the cost would be many millions of pounds, possibly adding up to £10,000,000, I think they would hesitate before signing another similar memorial.

Major MILNER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Barnes Committee had no independent advice and had to take the advice of the War Office representatives, some of whose evidence was not accurate? In the circumstances is there not a case for reconsideration?

Mr. HACKING

The matter has been considered by successive Governments and they have all reached the same conclusion. No one will state that these men have any legal right and, even if there is a moral claim, it would be very expensive to satisfy.

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Is the £10,000,000 which my right hon. Friend has referred to the capital sum?

Mr. HACKING

Yes, and that sum would also include the probable wide repercussions. It would be very difficult to resist other claims of a like character is this claim were granted.