HC Deb 12 August 1947 vol 441 cc2234-5
7. Sir Jocelyn Lucas

asked the Secretary of State for War if the cut in pensions made in 1930–31 in the case of retired officers will now be restored, in view of the higher cost of living and increased taxation.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence to a question by the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane) on 14th May.

Sir J. Lucas

Could we know what was the answer to that question? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these officers are in sore straits, and that wound and other pensions have been increased?

Mr. Vane

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer was highly unsatisfactory, and does he recognise that failure to restore these pensions is a very great breach of honour?

Mr. Bellenger

On the previous occasion this Question was addressed to the Minister of Defence, who was answering for all three Services, and he said it was not possible to grant further increases on consolidated rates of retired pay beyond those obtained by applying the terms of the Pensions Increase Act, 1947.

Sir T. Moore

Why should these retired officers who have served their country equally with others be singled out for a special act of injustice?

Mr. Bellenger

This matter has been debated very fully in the House on more than one occasion, and I have nothing further to add to what has been said.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman go into this matter again? Why should the Civil Service, for instance, have very much more improved prospects for pensions than these retired officers, who surely might have at least the same?

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these retired officers, through ill health and no fault of their own, are now incapable of getting any employment? Will he ask his right hon. Friends, particularly the Minister of Labour, to look into the matter?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Will the right hon. Gentleman refer to the last Pensions Act, of 1947? Is he aware that so far, that does not apply to officers of the Indian Army; and will he ask the Secretary of State for India to have that matter looked into, and register in his mind the profound dissatisfaction of many of these retired officers?

Major Tufton Beamish

Will the right hon. Gentleman at any rate undertake to look at the matter again?

Mr. Bellenger

The matter is not entirely one for me. No doubt the Minister of Defence, who considers all these questions in relation to the three Services, will note what has been said in the House.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Will the right hon. Gentleman urge the Minister of Defence to do so?