§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of awarding modified Service pensions to men demobilised with over 18 years' total service but less than 21 years' service who under present Regulations are ineligible on account of the fact that they have not been awarded disablement pensions by the Ministry of Pensians, in view of the fact that their position compares very unfavourably with that of an invalided man with the same length of service who is awarded both service and disablement pensions, and who therefore gets a permanent award for his long service, as well as full compensation for his disablement, which may later become nil?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI understand my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to be that the very liberal treatment accorded to men disabled in the War should now be made a reason for extending life pensions to a new class of man, not at present entitled, and not disabled. I am afraid that I can hold out no hope of an alteration in the conditions attached to eligibility for pensions such as is suggested.