HC Deb 22 July 1937 vol 326 cc2443-4W
Sir A. Baillie

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent increases of pay and pensions of Army officers since 1915 have been reflected in increases in the pensions of Army officers who retired before that year; and whether he is satisfied that the present rates of pension to these latter officers are adequate, in view of the rise in the cost of living since the year referred to?

Sir V. Warrender

Officers who retired before the War and who gave satisfactory paid military service during the War, had their retired pay re-assessed at the postwar rates on their service prior to original retirement. Officers who were not so eligible could be considered for increases of their pre-War rates of retired pay under the Royal Warrants following the Pensions (Increase) Acts, 1920 and 1924, and my right hon. Friend can hold out no hope of any further provision being made.

Sir A. Baillie

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give an estimate of the present annual cost of retired pay of general officers, colonels, and regimental and departmental officers who retired before the outbreak of the Great War; and what would be the approximate cost of raising these pensions to the rates which would be received by officers of equivalent service and rank retiring at the present time?

Sir V. Warrender

I regret that the records are not kept in such a way as to enable this information to be obtained without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of time and labour.