15. Brigadier Clarkeasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will ensure that the pensions of Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel are not unduly held up when they leave the Service, as this practice causes hardship to pensioners.
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir, and the present procedure is being reviewed once more to make sure that delays are reduced to a minimum.
Brigadier ClarkeDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate the great hardship which is caused by a man's not getting his pension immediately he comes out? I raised two points recently with him on that. Will he please try to see that in future men get their pensions within a fortnight?
§ Mr. CallaghanIn the great majority of cases the amount of pension earned is notified to the man immediately prior to his retirement, and payment is commenced well within a month of the termination of his service.