§ 8. Dr. Kingasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty the amount of pension now received by the widow of a leading rating who was pensioned after maximum service and died in August, 1950; and how much it would be if he had been pensioned and died this year, assuming in the first case that the widow is 65 and in the second case 45 years old.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingThe widow of a leading rating who was pensioned and died prior to 31st August. 1950, receives no naval pension.
The widow of a leading rating who had been pensioned and died this year would receive 22s. a week. This is based on 22 years which is the normal maximum service for a leading rating. The ages given in the question have no significance in the award of naval pensions to widows. These naval pensions do not debar her from drawing ordinary civilian benefits.
§ Dr. KingDoes the Minister think that what he has told us reflects a just state of affairs? Is he aware that, while the ex-Service associations appreciate what the Government have done to step up Service pensions, they cannot he happy as long as this unjust anomaly remains between the widow of the older rating and the widow who benefits by the present system? Will he seriously consider whether he can provide fair and equal widows' pensions for the widows of older ratings?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingI am sure that the hon. Member, who is very fair in these matters, will understand that it is not a matter for a single Service but is really a matter for all State pensioners, both civil servants and uniformed pensioners. It is, therefore, a matter which goes rather wider than merely the Admiralty alone.
§ Mr. WillisWill the hon. Gentleman discuss this matter with the other Service Departments so that it might be raised with the Treasury?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingYes, certainly, these matters are discussed inter-Service-wise. It is, however, a matter which goes a good deal wider than merely the Service Departments. It includes civil servants also.