§ Major HORE-BELISHAasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will set out a comparative table showing the difference in the scale of pre-war and postwar invalid pensions payable, rating for rating and rank for rank, in the Royal Nagy for the same type of disability?
Mr. DAVIDSONRatings.—The pre-War scale of disability pensions is shown in Article 1931 et seq. of the King's Regulations (1913 Edition), and the post-War scale is shown in full in Order-in-Council of the 6th February, 1922 (Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 132). I regret that it is not practicable to set out a comparative table rating for rating as the rank element involves a very large number of variations which are calculated according to the duration of service in the particular ranks.
I may say, however, that the rank element remains substantially the same as under pre-War conditions. The post-War improvement is mainly in respect of the basic "service" element, which now varies from Is. to 2s. 6d. a day (according to length of service), in lieu of 6d. to 9d. under the pre War Regulations, and in the disablement element for attributable injuries which is substantially increased under the post-War Regulations.
Officers.—The pre-War scale of pensions for wounds and injuries contracted by officers in the Service (loss of eye or limb or injuries equivalent or nearly equivalent thereto), is set out in Article 1897 et seq. of the King's Regulations. These pensions were payable even while the officer continued to serve, and after retirement were paid in addition to ordinary service retired pay.
Gratuities were also awardable for major and minor injuries, as shown in Article 100 et seq. of the Regulations.
No addition to ordinary service retired pay was provided for in pre-War Regula- 1562W tions for officers invalided for disabilities other than injuries or wounds sustained in the Service.
The post-War scales and Regulations relating to officers retired on account of disabilities attributable to the conditions of service are set out in Order-in-Council of 11th October, 1923, No. 37/CW. In the case of officers who, apart from their disability, are eligible for service retired pay, an additional amount ranging from £100 a year downwards according to the degree of disablement may be awarded, while officers who are not qualified for service retired pay are eligible for higher grants for disability.
Owing to the different basis on which pre-War and post-War disability awards are fixed, it is not practicable to set nut a comparative statement as requested.
§ Mr. GATESasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of the pre-War invalided naval officers who were called up for service in 1914 with the inadequacy of the pensions awarded them on their discharge in 1919; and whether he will appoint a Departmental Committee to inquire into the complaints and report?
Mr. DAVIDSONPre-War invalided naval officers who served during the War have had their retired pay reassessed on the improved post-War scales, and I am not aware that there is any general dissatisfaction with the terms granted. I do not, therefore, consider that any further action is necessary.