HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 cc1687-8
48. Squadron-Leader Burden

asked the Minister of Defence if he will review the long-service pensions paid to men retiring from the Armed Forces in order to see whether an increase is possible.

50. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Minister of Defence whether a review of pay and allowances of officers and other ranks is now being carried out; who is conducting the necessary inquiries: and who is advising him.

Mr. Shinwell

I would refer the hon. and gallant Members to the statement I made in the course of the Defence Debate on 16th March, indicating that a comprehensive examination of life in the Services in all its aspects was now proceeding. I am sending a copy of the relevant paragraph to the hon. and gallant Members.

Squadron-Leader Burden

Is the Minister aware that Question No. 50 bears no relation to Question No. 48 because the amounts allowed to men on retirement for long-service pension are looked upon as payment for long and faithful service, and not as a pension or as pay and allowances? Is he further aware that they are very distressed at the continual decline in the purchasing power of the £, although they are thankful that, factually, their rate of pay has been improved?

Mr. Shinwell

The hon. and gallant Gentleman will surely agree that the matter of pensions is very important in relation to life in the Service.

Mr. Low

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the second and third parts of Question No. 50, to which I believe his answer purported to be a reply? Is he not aware that one of the reasons for putting down the Question was that I heard his reply in the Defence Debate and would be interested to know whether it is a Service inquiry, or whether people from civil life, or trade union representatives, or others are involved in the inquiry?

Mr. Shinwell

If we conduct an inquiry of this sort there is no reason why we should furnish details of the personnel and the like.

Mr. Low

Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that when certain inquiries have been carried out by the Air Ministry, for example, in the last three years, they have told the House what form the inquiry was taking, and were quite happy to do so?

Mr. Shinwell

But I am not happy to do so.

Brigadier Head

Will the Minister assure the House that this inquiry has on it representatives of the most important part of all, namely, commanding officers and their equivalent, who know of the hardships caused by low pay?

Mr. Shinwell

We intend to have a comprehensive inquiry.

Mr. Low

In view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.