HC Deb 26 October 1967 vol 751 c1874
32. Mr. Allason

asked the Minister of Overseas Development whether civil pensions paid by the Pakistan Government to British citizens are still being paid at a reduced rate as a consequence of the devaluation of the Indian rupee; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)

The majority of Pakistan pensioners are being paid at the proper rate. The reduction applies only to a relatively small number of pensioners part of whose pensions are shared between Pakistan and India. In their case the answer to the first part of the question is yes.

I have written to the hon. Member about the second part.

Mr. Allason

Is the Minister aware that these cuts in pension have gone on since February? How long are they likely to continue? In consequence of this, would the Minister consider giving tax-free loans to make good the pension that has been lost?

Mr. Oram

The hon. Gentleman will have seen from the letter that I sent him that we have been pursuing the matter with very great vigour. I have now a list of some 50 different initiatives that we have taken in an attempt to resolve it. We are hopeful that the two other Governments concerned will shortly be able to reach a conclusion in the matter.