1. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Pensions whether he can now state what was the total amount paid by his Department, inclusive of all allowances, to pensioners whose disabilities were assessed at less than 100 per cent. in the years ended 31st March, 1939, and 31st March, 1948, respectively; and what was the average weekly payment in each year per pensioner assessed at less than the 100 per cent. rate.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)In respect of pensions from 50 per cent. to 95 per cent. the total amount paid in the financial year 1938–39 was £9,200,000 and £15,600,000 in 1947–48. The average weekly payments were £1 8s. 4d. and £1 17s. 8d., respectively. For pensions from 20 per cent. to 45 per cent. the total payments were £9,100,000 in 1938–39 and £21,200,000 in 1947–48. The average payments were 12s. 7d. and 16s. 10d., respectively.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that this is No. 1 Question on the Order Paper, and is it not also No. 1 obligation on the Government to secure an adequate pension for these men? Is he aware that the solution for the few is not the solution for the many, and that there are many today who are sadly in need of assistance?
§ Mr. MarquandIf the hon. Member will make a little calculation after he has had time to read these figures, he will see that the increase in both cases was 33 per cent.