HC Deb 17 July 1968 vol 768 cc1420-1
31. Captain W. Elliot

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost of granting a 7 per cent. increase in pensions to all Service pensioners over the age of 70 years.

Mr. Reynolds

Such an increase would cost about £1 million.

Captain Elliot

Would the Minister not agree that this latter sum is very small compared with the sum mentioned in reply to my earlier Question? If it was subtracted and given to those pensioners over 70, it would avoid this wide gap developing between the pensions of those retiring now and those who retired in earlier years. Will he convey these figures to those responsible for fixing these matters?

Mr. Reynolds

While this sum is a comparatively small one compared with other figures, it is still very large. However, all public service pensioners are dealt with together. As for the general position, it is right that this group should remain in that of the public service pensioners, and I cannot add anything to what my hon. Friend said in the debate on 9th May.

Captain Elliot

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.