Major THOMASasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of stabilising at the present figure the pension of £150, awarded under the Army Order Number 324, 1919, to ranker officers commissioned for services in the field or, as an alternative, postponing any reduction of this pension pending the result of the cost-of-living inquiry?
§ Mr. SHINWELLI regret that I am unable to give special treatment to the class of officers referred to by the hon. and gallant Member. The rates of retired pay are due to be revised as from 1st July next. As stated by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 12th November last in dealing with the question of pay, the reduction from the standard rate, which is at present 6 per cent., would on the existing basis of revision almost certainly be increased to 8 per cent., but it has been decided that the reduction shall be limited to 7 per cent, for a period of 12 months from 1st July next, after which the question will be reviewed.