HC Deb 09 December 1952 vol 509 c223
41. Mr. Simmons

asked the Secretary of State for War the amount of pension Field Marshal Slim will receive on retirement; and what are his regulations with regard to the acceptance of a salary for employment after retirement in such a case.

Mr. Head

After ceasing to be employed, Field Marshal Slim receives under Royal Warrant a rate of half pay. These retiring awards are payable irrespective of subsequent employment outside the Services.

Mr. Simmons

Does not it seem rather ridiculous to retire a man and pension him when he is fit enough to take on a job at £10,000 a year? He is not a disabled man; he is retired. Why give him a pension if he is capable of doing a job at £10,000 a year?

Mr. Head

Field Marshal Slim, as a Field Marshal, is permanently on the active list. He is now fulfilling a very important duty, and I feel that he has more than earned what the country is giving him.