§ 132. Major Gatesasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that, on joining the Commandos, other ranks were required to revert to the rank of private and officers to the rank of subaltern, for reassessment in their new and special duties; that the subsequent diminution in pay and allowances before promotion could be earned resulted frequently in considerable hardship to dependants, es- 26W pecially when casualties occurred; that it has now been considered necessary in consequence to raise a Commandos Benevolent Fund for the benefit of dependants of those killed; and whether, in view of the peculiar conditions of Commandos' service, he will consider taking the necessary steps to enable widows to receive pensions on the scale of the highest paid rank held by the casualty at any time during his period of service.
§ Captain BlenkinsopArticle 6 of the Royal Warrant, of which I am sending the hon. and gallant Member a copy, lays down the rank by reference to which an award of pension shall be made. The provisions are of general application and as at present advised my right hon. Friend is not aware of any grounds on which they could be specially modified in the case of the personnel now in question.