§ 15. Major Wallasked the Secretary of State for War the conditions under which a number of officers of the Royal Artillery were recently offered early retirement; and how this offer compares with the pay and pensions these officers would receive if they remained in the Army until the retirement age for their present rank.
§ Mr. HeadBecause of the disbandment of Anti-Aircraft Command 300 majors will be offered voluntary retirement on completing twenty years' service or, alternatively, continued employment in administrative appointments outside the Royal Artillery for as long as they are required. Retired pay awarded will vary from case to case, but generally the major who chooses to serve till retiring age will qualify for the full retired pay of £500 a year and the full terminal grant of £1,000. The officer who retires voluntarily after twenty years' service will receive the full terminal grant and about £460 a year retired pay. This rate will be about £40 a year higher and the terminal grant about £100 more than the normal rate for voluntary retirement.