§ 27. Mr. McKibbinasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of deaths of war disablement pensioners from 1945 until the nearest convenient date, and also separate the figures of those whose pensions derived from the South African, 1914–18, 1939–45 and subsequent wars.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterFrom 1st January, 1945, to 31st March, 1956, the total number of deaths of war disablement pensioners was 164,000. 122,000 were pensioners of the 1914–18 and earlier wars and 42,000 of the 1939–45 war and of later years. I am afraid that no further sub-division of the figures is available.
§ Mr. McKibbinIn view of the substantial figures, which will no doubt show a rapid increase in the next few years, does my right hon. Friend not consider that the time has now come to give immediate consideration to the British Legion's claim for an increase in the basic rate before it is too late?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThat raises issues very much wider than those in the original Question.