§ 34. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Pensions what increases in Service disability pensions he is now prepared to make to bring them in line with the new Service rates.
§ Mr. MarquandAs I announced in July last, the Government does not consider that an all round increase in disability pensions is justified. This decision is not affected by the recent changes in Service pay. The Government have war pensions constantly under review independently of changes in Service pay and numerous improvements in allowances have been made.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIn view of the fact that the same cost of living affects the pensions and affects Service pay, and also that this reluctance on the part of the Minister is certainly acting as a deterrent in the recruiting campaign, could he not reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. MarquandI do not believe that the rate of pension affects recruiting at all. The increase in Service pay may indeed be an inducement.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteDoes not the Minister think the time has now come to appoint a Select Committee to investigate this whole problem?
§ Mr. MarquandI should have thought that the hon. and gallant Member knew the answer to that one.