§ Sir C. COBBasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the additional annual expenditure involved if the lower grade Government pensioners were granted a special allowance sufficient to bring their cash pensions up to a minimum of 1s. per week for each year of service, i.e., a pension of 20s. a week for 20 years' service, 30s. a week for 30 years' service, and so on; and whether he will sympathetically consider measures to settle such cases of genuine hardship?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINFor the reasons given in the answer of my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on Monday last in reply to a question by the Member for Devonport, I regret that I am unable to provide the information desired, nor does it seem to me that a scheme on the basis suggested in the question would meet the conditions laid down in the speeches of those who have advocated special measures of relief for retired members of the public services. As regards the general question I have nothing to add to my previous statements on the subject.