§ 19. Mr. Houghtonasked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what is his present estimate of the number of ex-colonial and Sudan government British pensioners whose pensions would need to be increased to bring their total pensions up to the level of retired officers from the Home Civil Service covered by the Pensions (Increase) Acts.
§ Mr. VosperThe latest estimates are that 3,250 overseas—including Sudan— pensioners and 2,700 dependants are not receiving pension increases up to the level granted under the United Kingdom Pensions (Increase) Acts.
§ Mr. HoughtonIn view of the comparatively small number involved, may we hope that their interests will be taken care of in the proposed Pensions (Increase) Bill?
§ Mr. VosperI think my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury made it quite clear in his statement that that would be so.
§ Mr. VosperThat is a very difficult question to answer because it varies from month to month. An estimate at present would be something under £500,000.