§ Colonel PERKINSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, since the Government is now considering an increase in the scale of increases of pensions under the Act of 1920, it will consider further increases in the class of pensioners who, having served at least 21 years with the Colours, had attained the age of 60 years prior to the 4th August, 1914; and whether, seeing that these old pensioners are almost the only class who are debarred from receiving an Army age pension, and since the sum of money involved would not be large, he will consider whether these men could be granted the benefit of the age pension under the Army Order 325/19?
§ Mr. GWYNNESoldier pensioners received the same benefits as were conferred on civilian pensioners by the Act of 1920, and the consideration now being given by the Government to possible further action on similar lines also embraces them. If my hon. and gallant Friend suggests that, over and above this, additions for age made in 1919 to the pensions of those who served in the Great War should now be extended to those who did not serve, the cost of this would be considerable, and I am afraid the suggestion would not come within the scope of the present proposals.