§ 46. Mr. Tinkerasked the Prime Minister when this House will be given an opportunity of discussing the Government's policy on war gratuities; and will he consider giving that opportunity on a discussion of the Notice of Motion on the Order Paper on that matter standing in the name of the hon. Member for Leigh and other hon. Members.
§ [That in the opinion of this House, the scheme for war gratuities outlined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 6th February, should be amended so as to make one uniform rate according to length of service applicable to all ranks, whether men or women.]
§ Mr. AttleeAs indicated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 6th February, the Government are quite willing that there should be a discussion of this matter, if that is the general desire of the House. The question is one for arrangement through the usual channels.
§ Mr. TinkerCan the Deputy Prime Minister say whether it will be possible to provide an opportunity some time next week for the opinion of the House to be taken, and will the Government regard as binding what has been said?
§ Mr. AttleeI am to be asked a Question a little later about the Business for next week.
47. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the low rate of pension of the regular members of the Services, having regard to the recent pronouncement on gratuities to the temporary members of the Services, he will instruct the First Lord of the Admiralty, the Secretary of State for War and the Secretary of State for Air to look into this matter and to make such recommendations as they consider necessary.
§ Mr. AttleeThere is no connection between the rates of pension and the recently announced gratuities which are payable to both regular and temporary members of the Services.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the Deputy Prime Minister aware that it might be necessary to review, and indeed to augment, the pensions of the regular Armed Forces of the Crown after the war, in view of the change in world living conditions?