Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Air what rate of pension is awarded to the widows and dependants of men who are killed during service with 1005W the Royal Air Force; and whether any-means test is applied in the award of such pensions?
§ Sir K. WoodThe rates and conditions governing the award of pensions to widows and other dependants of Royal Air Force personnel who die in the Service, and whose death is attributable to service, are laid down in Chapter 43 of King's Regulations and Air Council Instructions, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
With regard to the second part of the question, means are entirely disregarded in the case of awards, other than awards of education allowance, to widows and children. The award of allowances to other dependants is, however, subject to the Air Council being satisfied that the pecuniary circumstances of the applicant are such as to justify an award.
I may add that the conditions governing awards are common to the three fighting Services.