§ 17. Mr. Juddasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a progress report on the consideration which he is giving to an increase in pensions for the widows of Servicemen who retired from the Services before 1st September, 1950.
§ Mr. KirkAs I promised in the Navy debate on 10th April, I am giving full consideration to the representations made on behalf of widows of Servicemen who retired before 1st September, 1950. I will write to the hon. Member and to other hon. Members who have recently raised this with me when a conclusion has been reached.
§ Mr. JuddI thank the Minister for that reply, but does he realise that his more optimistic remarks in the context of the Defence Estimates debate have raised many people's hopes? This section of the community is suffering rather badly. Can we expect an early outcome to his consideration?