HC Deb 12 July 1954 vol 530 c22
39. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of pensions reduced and of pensions terminated of those who are, and who were receiving Service pensions from the time the Ministry of National Insurance took over from the Ministry of Pensions to the nearest convenient date.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Osbert Peake)

I assume that the hon. Member has in mind basic pensions in respect of disablement due to service in the Armed Forces. As the reply contains a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Keenan

While thanking the Minister for that, may I call his attention to the fact that there is a great deal of apprehension now being expressed by those in receipt of pensions that the standard is not quite what it was? Would he carefully watch the matter?

Mr. Peake

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that there is no need for any apprehension, because the table of figures will show that fewer pensions have been reduced or terminated in the nine months since the merger was completed than in the nine months previously.

Following are the figures:

Reductions* Terminations
December, 1952 to August, 1953 (M.O.P.) 21,330 14,340 (including 11,750 on account of death).
September, 1953 to May, 1954 (M.P.N.I.) 18,400 12,470 (including 11,010 on account of death).
*Because of improvement in the pensioner's condition.