§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Pensions Minister whether the commutation of pensions temporarily suspended during the War can now be revived, with due safeguards for both the man and the State, so as to admit of the realisation by pensioners who are not disabled and by others who are not eligible for a grant from the King's Voluntary Fund of a sum sufficient to start them in business or to rebuild their homes?
§ Sir J. CRAIGCommutation is not now absolutely barred in an exceptional case; but disablement pensions, with which alone the Ministry of Pensions is concerned, are granted to protect the men against destitution present and future, and are subject to review and possible increase if the disablement increases. I do not think that any general power to commute would be of advantage to pensioners.