HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 c1226
9. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Defence the cost of raising the retired pay of the surviving officers who retired before September, 1950, to the level of the pay of those who retired after that date.

Mr. H. Macmillan

About £1,850,000 in the first year.

Mr. Hurd

When the general review of pensions is being completed, will my right hon. Friend keep in mind that these retired officers gave many years of devoted service, during which they were not able to save for their old age?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Marlowe

Will my right hon. Friend represent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the small increase which was given to a small proportion of these officers earlier in the year by no means disposed of the question, and that large numbers of these people still await an increase?

Mr. Macmillan

Of course, I understand the problem, but my hon. and learned Friend will recognise also that these matters open the very wide field of all persons who draw pensions from the Crown.