Sir J. DAVIDSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of naval pensioners have been served with a notice to the effect that, the revision of the percentage increase of their pen- 48W sions not yet having been completed, their pensions for the June quarter are to be paid at the old rate, and that any arrears which may be due on account of percentage increase will be forwarded later; whether an annual revision is necessary; and, if so, whether arrangements can be made to obviate the delay in payment and thereby remove the hardship which, under the present arrangement, is being caused?
§ Mr. AMERYOut of about 10,000 cases of naval pensioners arising for consideration for percentage increase of pension during the past quarter, some 9,300 have been disposed of and paid, notwithstanding difficulties arising from a depleted staff. The remaining 700 are not yet completed, as further investigation has been necessary as to items of income, incompleteness or irregularities in declarations of income, and other causes which have made it doubtful whether the applicants are entitled to any increase. It is hoped, however, that all will be settled by an early date. The annual revision is necessary under the Regulations laid down by the Treasury under the Act granting the percentage increase.