§ Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to increase pensions to war widows.
§ Mr. RossiI have been asked to reply.
War widows already receive tax free pensions at preferential rates some 30 per cent. higher than those payable to other widows. They can also qualify for additional allowances unique to war widows. The pensions all allowances are increased each November, this year's increase being 11 per cent. Beyond this normal yearly uprating, we have no plans for any further increase.