§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of Army schoolmistresses who retired on pension before being able to qualify for the present retiring allowance which came into effect in April, 1902; whether he is aware that these schoolmistresses are only receiving from 2s. to 2s. 6d. a day, and that, in view of the increased cost of living, it is impossible for them to exist on this allowance; and whether he will consider the possibility of making any increased allowance to these ladies, who have given the best part of their lives in the service of the State?
Captain GUESTThere are 114 Army schoolmistresses in receipt of pensions awarded before April, 1902. The question of increasing civil pensions awarded long ago is one which cannot be considered with reference to this class alone. In its more general application it was dealt with in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury on the 13th instant to the hon. Member for Dulwich.