§ Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in view of the general increases in pensions and other benefits, he will increase the entitlement of all widows of retired Service officers to one half of their deceased husband's pensions.
§ Mr. JuddThe half-rate pension for Service widows, an improvement to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, was introduced with effect from 31st March 1973 and applies only to the widows of those who were still serving on that date. Furthermore, only service given after that date is reckonable for the half-rate pension unless the husband took advantage of the "buying-in" facility for previous service; otherwise the previous service earns pension only at the rate of one-third. It is not the practice in occupational pension schemes in the public sector to apply improved terms to those who have already retired or their widows.
Pensions for the Armed Forces are however, reviewed annually and in creased to keep them abreast of the cos of living.