§ 4. Mr. McKayasked the Secretary of State for War why the pension of an ex-service captain quartermaster fixed in 1945 at £165 per annum has not been increased; and, in view of the increases given to retired police and other civil servants, whether he will take steps to increase the pensions of regular ex-Service men.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. James Ramsden)Service pensioners benefit from Pensions Increase Warrants when they reach the age of 60. In common with other public service pensioners, they do not qualify for pensions increase before 60 unless they were invalided or are permanently unfit for full-time employment.
§ Mr. McKayThe trouble is that these men will get a gratuity of about £65 when they are 60. That will not be of much value. If increases in pensions can be given to retired police officers, who can retire from their jobs long before reaching the age of 60, I cannot see the justification for not granting these people an increase. There seems to be an inconsistency between one Department and another.
§ Mr. RamsdenPensions increases of this kind are special measures to relieve hardship, so we limit the payments to those who need them most. According to my information, retired police officers and civil servants do not get pensions increases before they are 60, unless they are permanently unfit for work. I believe that the present policy follows the line that those most in need should have priority.