HC Deb 15 July 1947 vol 440 cc194-5
4. Mr. Attewell

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of men and women receiving pension or allowance under the Injuries in War Compensation Act, 1914; the scale of pension and allowances in operation; and the date of the last increase.

Mr. J. Freeman

As the answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Pensions are being paid by the War Department to one man and 18 widows under the scheme framed in accordance with the first Injuries in War (Compensation) Act, 1914, which provided for civilians who served afloat during the 1914–18 war. These pensions have been increased to bring them into line with the pensions payable to members of the Merchant Navy, or their dependants, in respect of death or injury during the recent war. The last increase was in 1946. Pensions are also being paid under two schemes framed by the Army Council under the second Injuries in War Compensation Act, 1914, which provided for civilians employed on shore out of the United Kingdom. One scheme was based on the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, under which the maximum benefit is 35s. a week. Pensions are still in issue to 24 women and have not been increased since 1920. Two widows' pensions are still in issue under another scheme which is based on the Injury Warrant issued under the Superannuation Act, 1887. One pension is at £126 5s. a year and the other at £63 1s. a year. Neither has been increased since they were awarded. My right hon. Friend is exploring the possibility of removing the technical difficulties which have hitherto prevented increases being given to the pensioners under the second Act.