§ MAJOR BARKERasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an officer with five years' commissioned service and twenty-three years in the ranks, total twenty-eight years' service, only receives the same pension as an officer with one year's commissioned service and fifteen years in the ranks; and if he is prepared to consider the matter further, with a view to more equitable treatment?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. and gallant Friend is, I think, misinformed. An officer with five years' commissioned service and twenty-three in the ranks would get £165 a year retired pay as against £150 for the other officer. The latter rate is an overriding minimum, and when such a minimum is applied, it naturally follows that some officers will give more than the minimum qualifying service without increased benefit.