HC Deb 29 October 1952 vol 505 cc1922-3
40. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence if he will consider instituting a voluntary contributory pension scheme in all three Services in order to augment the present inadequate pensions and to encourage thrift.

Mr. Birch

I cannot accept the implication in my hon. and gallant Friend's Question. If he is referring to a voluntary life insurance scheme, sponsored by the Government, designed to supplement existing provision, the answer is that we regard this as a personal matter to be arranged by the individual Service man for himself in negotiations with the insurance company of his choice.

Brigadier Clarke

Does my hon. Friend not appreciate the advantages that would accrue from such a scheme, and does he not know that such a scheme is, I believe, already in force in Her Majesty's Navy?

Mr. Birch

There is no such scheme in force in Her Majesty's Navy. Her Majesty's Navy do help officers and ratings to insure by making deductions from their pay, but they do not do more than that.

41 and 42. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (1) when he anticipates being able to announce the details of the increases in Service pensions now being examined by the Service Departments;

(2) what action he is now taking to adjust the Service pensions of those who retired before 1st September, 1950, to bring them in line with those who retired after this date.

Mr. Birch

With permission, I will answer Questions Nos. 41 and 42 together. I regret that I am not at present able to add anything to the answer which I gave on 15th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Miss Ward).

Brigadier Clarke

On a point of order. Questions Nos. 41 and 42 deal with two entirely different aspects of the matter, and I should like them answered separately.

Mr. Birch

The answers to both Questions are the same.

Brigadier Clarke

Is my hon. Friend aware that ever since the House reassembled I have been trying to get papers relating to this question? Does he appreciate that there is great dissatisfaction amongst pensioners because it is now not possible to draw an additional Service pension until one is over 60? It was never anticipated that that provision would go into the Pensions (Increase) Act.

Mr. Birch

This is a slightly different question. I should like to look into it.

Sir E. Keeling

Does my hon. Friend hope to be able to answer my Question three weeks today on officers' pensions?

Mr. Birch

Hope springs eternal.