HC Deb 11 February 1943 vol 386 cc1449-50
72. Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the application of the means test in connection with special campaign pensions is less sympathetic than that applied by other Government Departments with resultant hardship to a number of deserving old soldiers; and whether he is now in a position to accept the proposals on this matter, submitted to the Commisisoners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, by the British Legion in April of last year?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

The operation of the means condition for special campaign pensions has been under review, and certain changes in practice have been made. I regret, however, that I cannot accept my hon. Friend's suggestion for a radical change in the rules governing these pensions.

Mr. Bellenger

Is the Financial Secretary aware that conditions have drastically changed since special campaign pensions were inaugurated many years ago? Will he make them what they were intended to be—extra rewards to old soldiers who have served their country well?

Mr. Henderson

My hon. Friend is wrong in his assumption. The awards were provided for soldiers who received a war medal, irrespective of the length of their service.