HC Deb 05 August 1971 vol 822 c1837
28. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether it is his intention to adjust the retired pay and pensions of former members of Her Majesty's Forces to compensate for any increase in prices resulting from British entry into the European Economic Community.

Mr. Kirk

Provision is now being made similar to that in the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1971, to protect Armed Forces pensioners against rises in the cost of living by a system of biennial reviews which will maintain the original purchasing power of qualified pensions.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is my hon. Friend aware that if certain of his right hon. Friends would follow his example and protect the more vulnerable sections of the community against possible price changes it would make much easier public acceptance of entry to the E.E.C.?

Mr. Kirk

The Ministry of Defence is always in the vanguard of progress.