§ 32. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Pensions how many exServicemen and women classified as 100 per cent. disabled are now only in receipt of the minimum pension of 45s. per week; how many are in receipt of supplementary allowances as well as the minimum pension; and whether he is aware that there is a growing feeling that the minimum pension is ungenerous.
§ Mr. J. HyndThe numbers are about 15,000 and 34,000, respectively. The basic rate of 45s. was fixed in the light of comparable payments to be made under the various social service provisions, and taken in conjunction with the very wide range of additional allowances payable, and to the fact that the basic pension is paid irrespective of other earnings, the provisions now in force are widely recognised as representing a considerable advance on any previous arrangement.