HC Deb 29 October 1986 vol 103 cc164-5W
4. Mr. Stanbrook

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to permit retired members of the Overseas Civil Service to count war service before appointment towards their pension entitlement on the same terms as apply to other retired members of the public service; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I am aware how strongly Colonial Service pensioners feel about this issue. It is kept under careful review. There are, however, many claims on public expenditure resources. So far, we have not been able to accommodate this extra commitment.