§ 24. Mr. Marloweasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to the sum of money he is prepared to issue to the Service Departments for the purpose of increasing the pensions and retired pay of the officers of the Regular Forces.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo, Sir. My hon. and learned Friend should address any general Question about Forces' pensions and retired pay to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have been addressing questions to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence on this matter for some time, that I have got no satisfaction whatever, and that he always replies that he is entirely dependent upon what the Treasury will give him? I have, therefore, devised this Question for the Treasury. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I do not like this passing the buck? Will he pay attention to the fact that there is on the Order Paper an all-party Motion bearing the names of 210 Members of this House? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless the Government give early consideration to it there will be trouble from all quarters of the House?
§ Mr. ButlerIf the hon. and learned Member occupied my position he would know that I am always in trouble, and that I very frequently have remarks made to me like that which the hon. and learned Member has made, but it does not deflect me from the answer that I have already given.