HC Deb 14 March 1950 vol 472 cc910-1
40. General Sir George Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Pensions the total number of pensions awarded in respect of disablement arising from 1914–18 war service, the number of such pensions still in issue, up to the 50 per cent. rate, from the 50 per cent. to the 90 per cent. rate and at the 100 per cent. rate for total disablement; and what is the average age of the 1914–18 disabled veterans.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)

The total number of pensions awarded up to 31st December, 1949, in respect of disablement arising from 1914–18 war service was 1,702,160.

The numbers still in issue are:

Up to 50 per cent. rate 241,220
From 50 per cent. to 90 per cent. rate 56,750
At 100 per cent. rate 20,580
318,550

The average age of 1914–18 war pensioners is 59¼ years.

Sir G. Jeffreys

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the degree of disablement is apt to increase with advancing age, and will he take this matter into consideration?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the desirability of reviewing the assessments of the 1914–18 war pensioners. During the year ended 31st March, 1949, 1,779 of these pensioners received increased assessments, and during the present financial year, 3,215 received increased assessments despite the fact that their previous assessments were statutorily final.

41. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of 1914–18 disabled men who are now unable to obtain or follow regular employment; and whether he is considering any fresh provisions for this group of pensioners in cases where they do not receive, and are ineligible to receive, any of the existing supplementary allowances.

Mr. Marquand

As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, much information regarding the employment position of war pensioners is given in Sections VI and VII of the 24th Annual Report of my Department. Paragraph 80 of that Report shows that on 30th June last, 7,647 men known to be 1914 war pensioners were on the Disabled Persons Register and were unemployed. As regards the second part of the Question my welfare officers, in collaboration with the resettlement officers of the Ministry of Labour, are doing all they can to assist unemployed pensioners who are not eligible for any of the main supplementary allowances from my Department.