§ 32. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the Army Order 324 of 1919, that the rates, of officers' retired pay should be subject to an increase up to 20 per cent. if the cost of living should rise, and in view of the stabilisation of these rates in 1934 at 9½ per cent. below the basic rates, he will, in view of the rise in the cost of living since the latter year, consider whether the present rate of payment is adequate?
§ Sir J. GriggI would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 4th August last, of which I will send him a copy.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs my right hon. Friend aware that, in view of the Army Order in question, it amounts to a breach of faith to reduce the pension when the cost of living goes down and to fail to raise it when the cost of living goes up?
§ Sir J. GriggI imagine that the possibility of that was before the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the decision to which I have referred was reached.
§ Sir William DavisonIs it not very desirable that the present Government and the present Secretary of State should look into the matter and not allow this injustice to continue?
§ Sir J. GriggThe matter has been looked into. The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a decision, which was a Government decision.