§ 9. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Pensions how many persons are now drawing pensions arising out of service in the late War, including dependants of those who lost their lives or have since died; and what is the estimated decrease in this total number during each of the next three years?
§ Major TRYONThe number of persons to whom, or in respect of whom, pensions or allowances are in issue from the funds of my Department, is approximately 1,830,000. The rate at which this number will decrease will be determined by the death rate, and re-marriage rate, by the number of children growing beyond the age of dependence, and other factors, counter-balanced by the number of new claims admitted. I regret that it is not possible to estimate with accuracy the figure resulting from such uncertain factors for three years ahead. I may say, however, that the rate of diminution is slowing down. In the financial year 1924–25, as compared with the preceding year, the number of beneficiaries decreased by 12 per cent.; in 1925–26 by 9 per cent., and in 1926–27 it is estimated that there will be a decrease of only 7 per cent.