§ Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of Armed Forces pensioners who retired prior to 1956; what will be the total cost of the increased benefits they will receive under the proposed Pensions (Increase) Bill; and what would be the cost of bringing all who retired before 1956 up to the proposed new rates for 1956.
§ Mr. MayhewIncluding widows and dependants, and assuming that the proposed increases are effective from 1st January, 1966, the figures are: about 150,000, about £4.4 million a year, and about £62.6 million a year.