§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the pre-War service of pre-War pensioners in His Majesty's Navy and Marines who served during the Great War is now reckoned for qualifying service for retired pay and pensions, whereas the pre-War service of pre-War Army pensioners who became officers in His Majesty's Army during the Great War is not so reckoned; and whether, having regard to the circumstance that the conditions of service and pay of both branches of the service during the War were identical, he proposes to take steps to secure uniformity in principle as re- 1535W gards pensions payable for pre-War service to officers in His Majesty's Navy, Marine, and Army, respectively?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENThe claims of Army pensioners who became officers during the Great War were considered by the Barnes Committee in 1924. The committee's report was adopted by the House of Commons after debate on 27th May, 1925, and I am not prepared to re-open the question.