§ 46. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Prime Minister whether he will move to appoint a Select Committee to investigate the grievance of Service officers drawing retired pay at 9½ per cent. below the 1919 level.
§ The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)Her Majesty's Government are not prepared to adopt this proposal.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs the Prime Minister aware that what distinguishes this claim from other claims is not that these retired officers are starving, but that they are being defrauded? Is he also aware that hon. Members will continue to press this matter—even though a few of them have run away from the Motion they signed last week following evasion of his responsibility?
§ The Prime MinisterThe usual procedure of the Session will enable this and other similar matters to be debated.
§ Mr. WoodWould my right hon. Friend be willing to publish a White Paper giving the numbers of officers in the various categories and also giving details of claims which are considered comparable to the restoration of this cut to these officers?
§ The Prime MinisterI will ask my right hon. Friend to consider the suggestion which has been made.