HC Deb 04 December 1967 vol 755 cc208-9W
Mr. MacArthur

asked the Minister of Social Security how many war widow pensioners reside abroad; and what proportion of them are over 70 years of age.

Mr. Loughlin

At 30th September, 1967 about 4,700 war widow pensioners were living outside the British Isles; of these some 1,700 were receiving age allowance, which is payable to war widows aged 70 or over.

Mr. MacArthur

asked the Minister of Social Security what action will be taken by the Government to assist war widow pensioners residing abroad whose pensions have been eroded by devaluation.

Mr. Loughlin

My right hon. Friend has no proposals for such action. War pensions have recently been substantially increased. May I remind the hon. Member that there is a war pensioners welfare service t assist any war pensioner who is in difficulty.