§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that Andrew Paterson, 15, Langlands Road, Govan, was informed on 22nd April, 1925, that his award would be increased to the rate appropriate to the rank of acting 1266W company sergeant-major; whether he is aware that payment of the increase has been made as from 4th April, 1923, instead of from the date of his discharge, 31st May, 1917; whether he is aware that the procedure of paying the increase is not in accord with Clause 5, Part I, of the Royal Warrant in operation at the date of his discharge; and whether he will take the necessary steps to have the award put into proper order in accordance with the provisions of that Royal Warrant?
§ Major TRYONIn this case the man was officially reverted by the military authorities to the rank of private with effect from a date before his disability arose, though the order reverting him was not issued till after his removal from duty. On further investigation of the circumstances last year, however, as there appeared to be reasonable ground for doubt as to the actual position and duties discharged by the man at the time of his removal from duty, the benefit of the higher rank was in fact allowed as from the date from which he made the claim. I am unable, in the circumstances, to authorise payment from an earlier date. The Article of the Warrant to which the hon. Member refers has no bearing on the question of payment of arrears.