§ 3. Mr. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for Air upon what criteria he bases his decisions on applications for commutation of pensions in cases where personnel propose to purchase houses for owner-occupation by themselves and their families.
§ Mr. AmeryThe Army Pensions Office advises me on these cases. I have to be satisfied that commutation would be to the definite and permanent advantage of the pensioner. The maximum a pensioner may commute for house purchase is £350.
§ Mr. GowerWhile it may be absolutely necessary to dissuade personnel from making decisions which may prove improvident and which they may well regret, cannot my right hon. Friend agree that in cases of house purchase a different view could be taken of applications? Does not he feel that in some cases too restrictive a view is taken of such applications and particularly so in the case of a constituent of mine about whom I have been in correspondence with him recently?
§ Mr. AmeryThese arrangements are of long standing. I agree with my hon. Friend that there is a faintly paternalistic flavour about them. I should like to find time to consider this with my colleagues in the other Service Departments before I put forward any views about how they could be improved.
§ Mr. GowerCan my right hon. Friend say that this limit will be reviewed, as it seems extremely low in the light of the present cost of houses in most areas?
§ Mr. AmeryI do not want to give any commitment today to my hon. Friend. As I say, I think there is something here which perhaps ought to be considered.