Hansard

Royal Hospital, Chelsea

Volume 169: debated on Monday 19 March 1990

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Sir Michael McNair-Wilson

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what qualifies a person to be an occupant of the Royal hospital at Chelsea.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The regulations for the Royal hospital, Chelsea, issued under royal warrant stipulate:"There shall be eligible for admission to the In-pension establishment former soldiers of good character who are:

  • 1. in receipt of
  • (a) a service pension or service invaliding pension paid by the Ministry of Defence and awarded in respect of service which included such period of service in the British Army as the Commissioners may in each case in their absolute discretion consider adequate; or
  • (b) a disability pension awarded by the Ministry of Defence or the Department of Social Security in respect of disability resulting from service in the British Army; or
  • (c) a Victoria Cross or George Medal annuity awarded in respect of bravery while serving in the British Army and who are
  • 2. (a) aged not less than 65 years; or
  • (b) in the opinion of the Commissioners incapable of supplementing their pensions by their own exertions owing to the loss of a limb, wounds or other injuries or disabilities resulting from service in the British Army; or
  • (c) in the opinion of the Commissioners incapable of supplementing their pensions by their own exertions for reasons other than under paragraph (b) next above provided they are aged not less than 55 years.
    • In addition, there shall be eligible for admission any former soldier of good character aged not less than 65 years drawing service retired pay awarded as a result of commissioned service in the British Army who rendered at least 12 years' full time service in the ranks of the British Army over the age of 18 years. Preference will be given to those who have borne the best character and rendered the longest service in the British Army.
    The commissioners may at their discretion admit such out-pensioners of good character as may from time to time be required for the efficient administration of the hospital, irrespective of their age, length of service or earning capability."