HC Deb 26 January 1937 vol 319 c750
60. Captain Macnamara

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in view of the introduction of mechanisation, a number of farriers and saddlers of the Royal Artillery are to be discharged; and whether the matter will be reconsidered, in view of the fact that the men concerned would have been serving otherwise for 21 or, at least, 18 years with a view to qualifying for a pension in the normal way?

Mr. Cooper

Yes, Sir, I am afraid that the progress of mechanisation renders inevitable the discharge of a number of surplus farriers with 14 or more years' service and saddlers with 17 or more years' service in the Royal Artillery. All the men discharged will receive pensions, providing that at the time of their discharge they are serving to complete 21 years, and that they have at least 10 years unforfeited colour service over the age of 18.

Captain Macnamara

Will the pensions be as large as they would have been on the expiry of 18 or 21 years' service; and, if not, could the matter be looked into, as there are individual cases in which there is great hardship?

Mr. Cooper

I will look into the matter.

Mr. Thorne

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what kind of work these farriers and saddlers are likely to be put to when they leave the Service?

Mr. Cooper

They will not all finish 21 years' service, but they will obtain pensions, and some may be offered to remain in the Service as ordinary soldiers.