§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. SimmonsI thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity of making a personal statement relative to the position that has arisen in consequence of my recent appointment as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions.
Since 1918 I have been in receipt of a 50 per cent. disability pension in respect of the loss of a leg while serving as a private soldier at Vimy Ridge in the First World War. As I am the first war-disabled pensioner to hold office in the Ministry charged with the administration of pensions and the welfare of pensioners, I feel it to be in the best traditions of public life to declare my interest and to relinquish my pension and allowances during the tenure of my present office. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why?"] I have taken steps to implement this decision.