§ Mr. COMPTONasked the Minister of Pensions whether it is proposed to reduce the present rates of disability pensions in 1926; and, if not, if he will, in view of the heavy financial loss sustained by men who commute their pensions, seek authority to commute pensions on the rates payable under the Royal Warrant of 1919 in lieu of the rates payable under the Royal Warrant of 1918, as is the case at present?
§ Major TRYONWith regard to the first part of the question, I am not in a position to anticipate the decision of the Government on this point-With regard to the latter part of the question, the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to be effect of commutation. When a pensioner is allowed to commute part of his pension, the commutation is based on a definite weekly sum of money, and pension is paid thereafter at the current rate less that weekly sum. The rates payable under the 1918 Warrant (with an addition of 20 per cent.) are applied for the sole purpose of determining the maximum amount which may be commuted under the Statutory Regulations, and there is, therefore, no financial loss to the pensioner from this cause.