§ Brigadier-General SURTEESasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that Civil Service pensioners retired since 1st March, 1915, receive an increase of 40 per cent. on their pensions, whereas those of them why retired previous to March, 1915, receive no increase whatever, and whether he will give any reason for this discrimination?
§ Mr. BALDWINI assume that the hon. and gallant Member is referring to the arrangement under which War Bonus is allowed, under certain conditions and subject to certain limitations, to reckon for pension. The figure of 40 per cent. which he mentions is not a flat rate of increase, but represents the maximum extent to which War Bonus may be regarded as pensionable under the existing258W regulations. There is no legal power to grant an increase of pension to officers who retired before the 1st March, 1915, whilst not in receipt of War Bonus.