§ 98. Sir J. Smythasked the Secretary of State for War under what conditions a holder of the Victoria Cross can receive an addition to his £10 gratuity; and to what extent such increases are liable to deduction if the recipient is in receipt of any other award or pension from public funds.
§ Mr. SoamesSoldiers who hold the Victoria Cross and who are over 60 years of age, or were invalided from the Army, or are permanently incapacitated, may receive additions to the annuity under the Pensions Increase Warrants. The great majority of annuitants receive such increases, which on average nearly double the basic sum of £10 a year.
50WApart from this, a man who is unable to earn a livelihood because of age or infirmity may have his annuity increased to such an amount as, together with any other pension received from public funds, does not exceed £75 a year. Contributory pensions, such as the National Insurance Retirement Pension, are disregarded in this connection.