SIR H. COWANasked the Pensions Minister whether, while under the new pensions scale recently published privates after twenty-one years' service become entitled to a pension of 26s. per week, privates who draw pensions in respect of similar length of service under the old scale receive only 7s. 7d. per week; and whether it is intended to remove this in- 388W justice by paying pensions on the new scale to all men of similar length of service?
§ Mr. FORSTER26s. is the maximum for a private soldier under the new scale and corresponds to the maximum of 10s. 6d. under the old. As regards the application of the new scale, I have nothing to add to the answers I have given recently to many similar questions.
§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of his promise in August last that the new scale of pensions for the Army would closely follow the principles adopted for the Navy on the recommendations of Admiral Jerram's Committee, he is prepared to amend those Clauses in Army Order 325 of 1919 which do not permit a pre-war pensioner who served in a Civil capacity under the Government during the War to be re-assessed for pension and which do not permit a re-enlisted pensioner to count time spent in the War towards increase of pension?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not conscious of having given any promise that the Army scheme would do more than follow the Navy scheme in its general features, having regard to differences in conditions of service. I understand that the naval pensioner is called up for war service, and if he remains in civil employment does so with official sanction. The Army pensioner was allowed to remain in civil employment or to come forward for service with the Colours at his own choice.