§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for War what are the names of the members of the Pension Commutation Board, and what is the annual cost to the State of this body, including emoluments and expenses?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe names of the members of the Pensions Commutation Board are as follow:—
- Sir T. L. Heath, K.C.B., Comptroller General, National Debt Office.
- Sir J. W. Cawston, K.C.B., Deputy Master, Royal Mint.
- Sir C. Walker, K.C.B., Accountant-General of the Navy.
- L. J. Hewby, Esq., C.B., Assistant Secretary, Treasury.
- J. G. Ashley, Esq., Principal Clerk and Actuary, War Office.
The Board receive no remuneration for their services in carrying out the provisions of the Pensions Commutation Act, 1871. The expenses of the Board for the current financial year, including £1,200 fees for medical officers, will be about £2,000.
§ Major GLYNasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the urgent need of some officers for immediate capital wherewith to start 945W businesses and occupations, arrangements may be made for the weekly-meeting of the Pensions Commutation Board in order that the cases may be settled more quickly; whether he is aware that officers who are making application at the present time are being informed that the next meeting of the Board is not before the middle of December; whether he is aware that there is at present considerable congestion of business; and, if so, will everything possible be done to accelerate the procedure of this body?
§ Mr. BALDWINI understand that the number of applications for the partial commutation of pensions of officers of the Navy and Army has considerably increased during the latter half of this year, and that the increase is likely to be maintained for some time. I recognise that it is desirable that such applications should be promptly disposed of, and I understand that the Board is arranging to deal with the congestion.