§ 18. Mr. R. Bellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances pensions guaranteed by the State are subject to cancellation or reduction, either before or after the retirement of the person concerned, on the conviction and sentence of that person in criminal proceedings.
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§ Mr. H. BrookeA serving civil servant who is convicted and sentenced in criminal proceedings may be dismissed from his post as a disciplinary measure, when he automatically forfeits any pension he would otherwise earn by his service.
A member of the Armed Forces in similar circumstances may be discharged or dismissed: if he has had long service the military authorities may allow a modified pension.
Under the Forfeiture Act, 1870, a pension drawn from public funds ceases to be payable to a pensioner who is convicted of treason or felony, for which he is sentenced to death, preventive detention, corrective training, or imprisonment for more than twelve months. The Criminal Justice Act, 1948, enables the pension to be restored in whole or part.
In cases which fall outside the Forfeiture Act a pension may be reduced or cancelled. Such action is mainly taken in grave cases as, for example, embezzlement of public moneys.