§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of persons currently drawing pensions in respect of employment in the Armed Services, and the total annual cost of these pensions.
§ Mr. JuddThere are approximately 270,000 persons currently drawing pensions under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme and earlier occupational schemes for the three Services. Of this number,322W rather more than 30,000 are widows and other dependants.
As stated in a Written Answer on 27th November to the right hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. Walker)—[Vol. 901, c. 297]—the total cost of these pensions is expected to be £169 million in the current financial year.