§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Defence why war widows of ex-Servicemen have received a pension increase as from 29th March last, whereas widows whose husbands have died of natural causes during their period of service have not received such increase; and if he will take steps to correct this anomaly.
§ Mr. MayhewWar widows have received increases from 29th March, 1965, in common with widow pensioners under the National Insurance Scheme. These increases were made in accordance with the proposals announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11th November, 1964.
The position of widows receiving Service pensions is included in the review announced by the Secretary of State for Defence on 16th November, 1964.