HC Deb 29 July 1947 vol 441 cc234-6
19. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Pensions the numbers of those in receipt of disability pensions and allowances, by grades, from the maximum downwards, and the amount paid in each grade.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. John Hynd)

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.,

Mr. Lipson

Can the Minister give an assurance that those figures justify his not bringing the matter before the advisory committee again?

Mr. Hynd

The hon. Member should judge that from the figures given in the statement.

Following is the statement:

(1) The figures include pensions for both the 1914 and 1939 wars. In the latter case, Mercantile Marine and Civilian war pensions are included.

(2) Column E gives the total number of pensioners assessed at the various degrees of disablement. Columns C and D give the appropriate rates for a single man and a married man with two children, respectively. In all cases the rates shown are those applicable to basic ranks in the Services (e. g., private soldier in the Army); higher rates are payable for higher rank.

(3) In certain cases there are additional allowances for wear and tear of clothing or education of children.

(4) Disablement pensions and allowances are free of income tax.

A. B. C. D. E.
Degree of Disablement — Single Man Married with 2 children Approximate with number in payment
Percentage. £ s. d. £ s. d.
100 With unemployability supplement and maximum constant attendance allowance. 5 5 0 6 16 0 50,650
100 With unemployability supplement but without constant attendance allowance. 3 5 0 4 16 0
100 Without unemployability supplement or constant attendance allowance. 2 5 0 3 10 0
90 With unemployability supplement 3 0 6 4 11 6 2,900
90 With hardship allowance* 2 5 0 3 7 6
90 Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance. 2 0 6 3 3 0
80 With unemployability supplement 2 16 0 4 7 0 18,950
80 With hardship allowance* 2 5 0 3 5 0
80 Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance. 1 16 0 2 16 0
70 With unemployability supplement 2 11 6 4 2 6 28,550
70 With hardship allowance* 2 2 9 3 0 3
70 Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance. 1 11 6 2 9 0
†60 With hardship allowance* 1 18 3 2 13 3 42,450
†60 Without hardship allowance 1 7 0 2 2 0
†50 With hardship allowance 1 13 9 2 6 3 65,650
†50 Without hardship allowance 1 2 6 1 15 0
40 With hardship allowance* 1 9 3 1 19 3 81,650
40 Without hardship allowance 18 0 1 8 0
30 With hardship allowance* 1 4 9 1 12 3 157,700
30 Without hardship allowance 13 6 1 1 0
20 With hardship allowance* 1 0 3 1 5 3 234,100
20 Without hardship allowance 9 0 14 0
Less than 20 percent Varying amounts Varying amounts 84,050
* If a pensioner's disablement due to service in; the 1939 World War is assessed at less than 100 per cent. and, in consequence of that disablement, he is permanently incapable of resuming his former occupation and incapable of following or being trained for one of equivalent standard, he may be granted a special hardship allowance of 11s. 3d. a week. The allowance together with his pension may not, however, exceed the rate of pension payable if his disablement were assessed at 100 per cent.
† In a small number of cases of 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. disablement the unemployability supplement has been granted.

(5) The estimated annual cost of these pensions, including the various allowances and supplements, is about £50,000,000.