§ Mr. AYLESasked the Secretary of State for War how many ex ranker officers are in receipt of pensions at the present time; what is the total sum received per annum for pensions; and what would be the increase per year which would be required if their demands were conceded?
§ Major ATTLEEThe number of ex-ranker officers in receipt of re-assessed soldiers' pensions is approximately 2,500; the estimated annual value of the pensions in issue to such men is £200,000. If their demands to be pensioned as officers on the same terms as those given to serving regular soldiers granted permanent commissions were conceded, it is estimated that the increase in the cost of their pensions would be £175,000 per annum, with consequential charges amounting to £500,000 per annum, which it would be practically impossible to avoid.