HC Deb 01 July 1953 vol 517 cc381-2
23. Sir Edward Keeling

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether the Government's promised efforts to find a fair solution of the question of the retired pay of the 359 officers still surviving who were given in 1919 rates which were to vary with the cost of living but which in spite of the great rise in that cost have not been increased since they were anchored in 1935 at 9½ per cent. below the 1919 rates, have yet been completed, and with what result.

Mr. Birch

Not yet, Sir.

Sir E. Keeling

Considering that on 20th January the Minister of Defence said in another place that the case then put so cogently would be most earnestly considered, is not it treating Parliament with contempt that over five months later no decision has been announced? Can we have an assurance that a decision will be announced before we adjourn for the Summer Recess?

Mr. Birch

I am sorry. I am not in a position to give my hon. Friend a firm answer.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Will my hon. Friend convey to our right hon. Friend the fact that there is a feeling in all parts of the House that, because there are so few men affected and because they have nobody to represent them and to press their case strongly, the Treasury are ignoring a perfectly humane case which should be dealt with?

Mr. Birch

I will certainly convey what my hon. and gallant Friend has said to the Treasury, but I have noticed that there are quite a number of people representing these officers—and very successfully.

Mr. Lewis

As there are only 300 of these officers and the Government have already had five months, can the hon. Gentleman say why he cannot give the assurance that the hon. Member asked for? Why does he need a longer time?

Mr. Birch

As has very often been pointed out in this House and in another place, the satisfaction of such a claim raises certain wider issues.