§ 6. Mr. Simmonsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the annual value of the war disability pensions paid to ex-privates, ex-warrant officers, Class 1, and ex-captains for total loss of sight, loss of two or more limbs, or the loss of one eye or an arm or leg just above the elbow or knee; the estimated cost of uplifting the rates of war disability pensions paid to ex-privates and junior non-commissioned officers up to the rates paid to ex-warrant officers Class 1 and 2, respectively; and whether he will bear in mind the special claims of those pensioned at the lowest rates when considering increases in war disability pensions.
| Disability | Degree of Disablement | Annual amount of basic pension only | ||||||
| Ex-Private | Ex-Warrant Officer, Class I | Ex-Captain | ||||||
| Loss of: | Per cent. | £ | s. | £ | s. | £ | s. | |
| sight or two or more limbs | … | 100 | 143 | 8 | 186 | 17 | 266 | 0 |
| one eye | … | 40 | 57 | 7 | 74 | 15 | 106 | 8 |
| one arm just above elbow | … | 70 | 100 | 8 | 130 | 16 | 186 | 4 |
| one leg just above knee | … | 60 | 86 | 1 | 112 | 2 | 159 | 12 |
§ 12. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance, in view of the improved national situation noted in the recently published Economic Survey, if he is now satisfied that the time has now come to do something more for war pensioners and their dependants.
§ Brigadier SmythMy right hon. Friend does not think it is for him to express any opinion on the financial and economic position of the country at this juncture.
§ Sir I. FraserCan my hon. and gallant Friend say whether this subject is regarded by the Government as of first priority?
§ Brigadier SmythJust at the moment I cannot add anything to the reply I have given.