§ 30. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the distress being caused to many pensioned officers of the Malayan Government by the delay in granting an increase in pensions to meet the rising cost of living; and when he expects to make a statement on the subject.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Rees-Williams)The Government of the Malayan Union has recently notified its decision to bring its pensions increase scheme into line with the amendments made to the 1944 Act by the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1947. The necessary claim forms have teen issued by the Crown Agents for the Colonies. Payments of arrears and of the current increase have, in some cases, 371 already been made, and in all other cases will be made as promptly as possible. It will be appreciated that with the large numbers of pensioners of Colonial Governments who may be concerned some delay will be inevitable before all claims can be dealt with.
§ Mr. GammansCan the hon. Gentleman say if Members of this House will have an opportunity of seeing what that scheme is?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsYes, Sir.