1. Miss Wardasked the Minister of Pensions whether, in view of the equality of opportunity now available for women to serve in the Women's Royal Army Corps, he will pay disability pensions on an equal basis.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)Ex-Service men and women of the basic grades, private and equivalent, in the Services receive the same rates of disability pension. I regret that I can hold out no hope at the present time of equality in the additions which are made to disability pension for rank, which reflect generally the differentiation in emoluments between men and women serving in the Forces.
Miss WardHaving regard to the fact that we have now granted an amnesty to deserters, would it not be appropriate to grant ex-Service women who have served their country the same rights as are accorded to women in industry and women injured under the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme? Will my hon. Friend please reconsider the matter in that light?
Mr. AmoryI am not sure whether I feel really competent in taking on my hon. Friend on this matter, but, as long as we have an element of rank in our 1884 pensions provisions, it is not unreasonable that there should be a reflection of the differentials in rank remuneration to men and women.
Miss WardIs the Minister aware that I do not agree with that, and will he please look at the matter again?