§ 54. Mr. Ammonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, until July, 1934, Civil Service pensions were on a cost of living sliding scale up to 75 per cent., which was subsequently consolidated to 55 per cent. cost of living bonus; and whether, having regard to the present exceptional difficulties and the increased cost of living, he will consider raising the cost of living bonus to, at least, the former 75 per cent.?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. When Civil Service bonus was related to the cost of living index figure and was subject to periodical variation, this bonus was reckoned in full for pension at the rate 32 appropriate to the average cost of living figure for the preceding quarter, subject to a similar quarterly variation. When in 1934 the Civil Service bonus was consolidated with salary at an amount appropriate to a cost of living figure of 55 that part of pension which was in respect of bonus was reassessed on the same basis and made permanent. Since that date all pensions have been of fixed amount and not subject to variation in accordance with the cost of living.
§ Mr. W. BrownIs not the Chancellor aware that this category of pensions must be peace pensions and that teachers are almost the only class of pensioners who have received no readjustment since the outbreak of war? Will he not reconsider the position?