§ 8. Mr. Stephenasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that ex-Private Thomas Giggle, 56, Orr Street, Glasgow, formerly of the Bedford Regiment, has been awarded a special campaign pension of 2s. per week after 16½ years of service in the Army after 12 months of correspondence and investigation by the War Office; and whether he will take the necessary steps to see that this man is granted an adequate pension?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMr. Giggle was sent an application form on 31st July, 1936, and did not supply all the particulars required till 7th June, 1937. His service does not entitle him to an ordinary Service pension.
§ Mr. StephenDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that this is a disgraceful pension to give a man, after all his service, and will he take steps to see that the man is decently treated?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe man had given 13 years' ordinary military service and the proper period for pension is 21 years. On compassionate grounds a special pension was awarded, and he will be entitled to as much as 10s. per week if his means justify it. He is not entitled to an ordinary Service pension, as his service does not justify it.
§ Mr. StephenThe man is drawing unemployment benefit; is it not obvious that he should be drawing the maximum amount of 10s. per week? There is not much compassion about two bob.
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI understand that he has income from other sources of 18s. per week. He has no entitlement to a pension, and we provided him with a special allowance.
§ Mr. Neil MacLeanIs the right hon. Gentleman recommending this soldier to the Ministry of Labour for special treatment for jobs?