§ Mr. LEACHasked the Minister of Pensions what is the total amount paid to date to the recipients of the Nelson and Rodney pensions, respectively; the date at which each pension began; and the reasons for their continuance?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe Nelson pension of £5,000 per annum was granted in perpetuity by Act of Parliament immediately after the Battle of Trafalgar in October, 1805, and has been paid since that date. The Rodney pension of £2,000 per annum was granted by Act of Parlia-3368W ment in 1782 after Lord Rodney's naval victory, and made perpetual by a further Act in 1793. It was then the practice of Parliament to grant perpetual pensions in lieu of, as in modern times, granting a lump sum to be invested by the recipient. The pensions are those payable under Statute in respect of services to the nation.