§ 53. General Sir George Jeffreysasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he proposes to introduce the Bill to provide for increases of State pensions in cases of hardship arising from the increased cost of living; and whether this legislation will include provision for the increase of pensions granted in respect of service in the Forces.
§ Sir J. AndersonNotice of the introduction of the Pensions (Increase) Bill has already appeared in the Order Paper. Copies of the Bill will be made available in the Vote Office to-day. The Bill will contain two schemes for the increase of pension, namely, a general scheme applicable to all classes of pensioners within the scope of the Bill and a special scheme applicable to certain civil servants only. The general scheme will provide for the increase of smaller pensions subject to certain means limits. The special scheme will provide for increases irrespective of means of those Civil Service pensions not exceeding £600 a year granted after the last war which were subject to variation in accordance with changes in the cost of living index figure and were stabilised in 1934 and 1935 at rates appropriate to a cost of living index figure of 155.
The Bill will not cover Service pensions of officers and men in the Forces because such pensions are granted under Orders in Council, Royal Warrants, or King's Orders. Provision will be made under those instruments for increases of Service pensions of officers and men of the Forces similar to those provided in the general scheme under the Bill In addition, 980 retired officers whose scales of Service retired pay introduced after the last war were subject to cost of living adjustment until they were stabilised in 1935 will receive increases on terms corresponding approximately to those provided by the special scheme.
§ Mr. McEnteeCan the Chancellor say whether the police and Royal Irish Constabulary will be included?
§ Sir J. AndersonYes, I made a promise, and it is carried out in the Bill.