HC Deb 11 April 1956 vol 551 c196
27. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Defence how far the non-attributable service widow's pension had fallen in money terms below the rise in the cost of living from 1939 to January, 1952; what was the position in December, 1952; and what would be the effect of a 5 per cent rise.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Nigel Birch)

I have been asked to reply.

As the Answer consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Dame Irene Ward

In view of the fact that the Minister of Defence announced a 5 per cent. increase without any figures, is my right hon. Friend aware that I am deeply suspicious, as it was 100 years, up to 1952, before the basic pension of this unfortunate class was raised? I will wait until next week to see how I get on when I have read the Answer.

Following are the figures: