HC Deb 15 February 1983 vol 37 c152
17. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 18 October 1982, Official Report, c. 64, he will make a statement outlining the number and nature of the claims made under the war pension scheme as a result of the conflict in the South Atlantic, showing how many of the claims have been settled, how many are awaiting appeal, and the results of any appeal; and if he will indicate when he expects the claims to be finalised.

Mr. Rossi

The widows of 122 service men killed during the South Atlantic conflict have claimed and been awarded war widow's pension. One further claim has been unsuccessful because the claimant was divorced. The widows of eight merchant seamen have also claimed and have been awarded war widow's pension. Of three claims made for means-tested parents' pension two have been awarded and one was unsuccessful on income grounds.

As regards war disablement pension, nine claims have been made by merchant seamen. Five awards have been made and the remaining four claims are still under consideration. Five service men have claimed and four awards have been made. The other claim is still under consideration. I explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on 18 October that service men are not eligible for war disablement pension until they have been discharged from the armed forces. It will not, therefore, be possible for some time to say when all potential claims will be finalised. No appeals have been made.

Mr. Dalyell

Why is it not possible?

Mr. Rossi

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman heard what I said. The armed forces are doing the best that they can to retain disabled men at work in the forces by finding them suitable occupations. While they remain service men employed by the forces there is no question of any pension being paid to them for their disablement.

Mr. Alfred Morris

How much has been paid, in average and in total, to the bereaved and disabled of the Falklands conflict by the South Atlantic fund and how much money is left?

Mr. Rossi

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, the fund is an independent charity. My latest information is that £4 million has been expended.