§ 46. Major Lyonsasked the Secretary of State for War the basis on which sums as gratuities, as distinct from disability pensions, are paid to officers who leave the Armed Forces on grounds of medical unfitness.
§ The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)In general, no gratuities are paid to officers who leave the Armed Forces on grounds of medical unfitness. The extension to such officers of any gratuity payable to officers on demobilisation is one of the many questions connected with the financial provision to be made at the time of demobilisation, but, as the Prime Minister said on Tuesday last, the present is not considered a timely occasion to discuss such plans.
§ Major LyonsIs it not a fact that during the last war an officer leaving the Services on grounds of medical unfitness was given a gratuity which bore a reasonable comparison with the time of his service? In view of the difference that now exists, and that no gratuity is being paid, is not this a great hardship to those concerned.
§ Mr. HendersonIt is quite true that under the 1914 Pay Warrant provision was made for the payment of gratuities in 2171 the circumstances referred to in the Question but the position to-day is governed by the 1940 Pay Warrant, which contains no provision for the payment of gratuities in these circumstances.
§ Major LyonsWould the Financial Secretary consider asking the Army Council to alter this position.