§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many officers who 647W have applied for release from the Army are being compelled to lose the gratuities due to them in consequence of the withdrawal of the optional gratuity announced in 1975 and, of these, how many officers have not had three years to exercise an option to leave with a gratuity in consequence of being time-barred.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownThe withdrawal of the optional gratuity for officers on regular commissions who retire voluntarily after a minimum of 10 years' service was announced in 1975. The withdrawal was effective from 31st March 1977 but eligibility for the gratuity was subsequently extended to officers leaving the Services before 6th April 1978. Two Army officers who would otherwise have been able to opt for payment of gratuity were refused applications to retire in consequence of being time-barred.