asked the Minister for Defence if he has completed his enquiry into the proposal to grant a gratuity on termination of their service to long service NCOs and men.

As I had the Deputy informed in the course of recent correspondence, I regret that I cannot undertake that gratuities will be payable on discharge to non-commissioned officers and privates in addition to married pensions.

I should again make it clear, as has been done on other occasions, that only married officers are eligible for gratuities in addition to their retired pay. Single officers are not so eligible. While a married officer receives a gratuity, he is not eligible for a married pension. Married non-commissioned officers and privates discharged on pension are eligible for additional married pensions.

I want to thank the Minister for his letter which I received a few days after my Question had been put down. Is the Minister aware of the position of NCOs or men, married or single, who, after spending perhaps 20 years or more—I know of one case of 30 years—in the Army and then retire? They are not fitted for employment outside and their miserable pension is very little use to them. These men have no chance of starting a business of their own as has the officer who received a gratuity. Would the Minister look at that aspect?

That aspect is continuously under review.

Would the Minister look at it a little more favourably? Obviously the review that has taken place does not seem to have done NCOs or men very much good.