HC Deb 22 July 1975 vol 896 cc271-2
3. Mr. Sandelson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a progress report on his study into the possibility of awarding pensions to widows of non-commissioned Service men who retired before 1950.

Mr. Judd

The matter is still under consideration.

Mr. Sandelson

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that it is an extraordinary anomaly that the widows of non-commissioned Service men who served the country before 1950 in the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army in precisely the same way as those who were commissioned should get no pension at all? Does he not think that this is an intolerable position for a Labour Government to allow to continue?

Mr. Judd

I can assure my hon. Friend that we understand the strength of feeling behind his Question among a great many people. We are looking at the issue seriously. I shall report to the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Viggers

What is there to consider? Is not the hon. Gentleman making heavy weather of a simple decision about whether to award pensions to widows, to decide on a date and to set a priority?

Mr. Judd

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's deep concern, which he has expressed frequently in the House and elsewhere. His right hon. and hon. Friends were unable to come to a positive decision on this matter during their years of office. We are looking at it actively. It is not an easy matter. There are repercussions for the remainder of the public service. We hope to make a decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Goodhart

Following the real improvement in Service pensions which the previous Conservative Government were able to put into effect, does the hon. Gentleman recognise that the major ex-Service organisations now agree that the first priority must be the care of widows?

Mr. Judd

Following the implementation of the last stage of the improvements in pension conditions introduced by the present Government—which we were glad to do—I can assure the hon. Gentleman that we understand this is a matter on which the ex-Service associations have expressed themselves forcefully.

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