§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Pensions Minister whether, in cases where service pensions were earned previous to the War by a distinct term of service rendered under contract to the State, he will cause such pension to be reckoned in assessing alternative pensions?
§ Sir JAMES CRAIGAs I informed the hon. and gallant Member on 13th February, service pensions are regarded, for alternative pensions, as income but not earnings. But as the practice of the Department on this point has recently been challenged, the question, an admittedly difficult one, is being reconsidered.
§ Major PRESCOTTasked the Pensions Minister whether he will consider the desirability of amending the Regulations with a view to alternative pensions being no longer assessed on the 1913 to 1914 basis of earnings, but that an increase of at least 50 per cent, should be given on this rate?
§ Sir J. CRAIGMy right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make a statement to-morrow.