§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will explain the reason for the abatement by 7½ per cent. of the pensions of Royal naval officers who retire voluntarily between the ages of 40 and 50 years.
§ Mr. DuffyFollowing the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Recruiting (Command 545 of October 1958) the aim has been a career in which officers exercise a clear choice between retirement before age 40 or on completion of a full career, primarily to reduce the problem of resettlement in middle life. The pension differential for premature voluntary retirement between the ages of 40 and 50 reflects this aim. Abated pensions are now reassessed at age 60, where it is to the officer's advantage, to reflect recent pensions legislation.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to alter the arrangement whereby Royal naval officers retiring voluntarily between the ages of 40 and 50 years lose 7½ per cent. of their pension.