HC Deb 09 February 1951 vol 483 cc249-50W
Major Hicks-Beach

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is aware that the Official Trustee of West Bengal has intimated to recipients in receipt of pensions under the Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Fund that there will be a reduction of 20 per cent. in all pensions as from 1st January, 1951; and if he will make representations for the continuation of the pensions at their former rates.

The Prime Minister

This is not a Government fund; neither the Secretary of State for India nor the Government of India at any time exercised any control over its administration. I understand that it is a private undertaking on the part of members of the Uncovenanted Service, and is now managed by the Official Trustee in Bengal on behalf of the subscribers. In the circumstances, I am afraid that I am unable to make any representations about these pensions.