HC Deb 16 November 1982 vol 32 cc133-4W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the figures for total expenditure by his Department on war widows' pensions in each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82, together with his estimate for 1982–83; and if he will give the figures in each case at 1978–79 prices.

Mr. Rossi

The information requested is as follows:

Expenditure on war widows' pensions
£ million
Year Cash At 1978–79 prices
1978–79 117 117
1979–80 129 111
1980–81 146 108
1981–82 166 110
1982–83 175 n.a.

n.a. Not available.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the total expenditure by his Department on war widows' pensions compares now, in real terms, with what was spent in the year 1978–79.

Mr. Rossi

The information requested is as follows

Expenditure on war widows' pensions
£ million
Year Cash At 1978–79 prices
1978–79 117 117
1981–82 166 110
1982–83 175 n.a.

n.a. Not available.

These figures reflect a reduction in the number of pensioners due to death each year and not to a reduction in the value of war pensions.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war widows of the First World War were in receipt of pensions from his Department in the years 1978–79 and 1981–82, respectively; and what was the number at the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war widows of the First World War were in receipt of pensions from his Department in each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82; and how many are now receiving pensions.

Mr. Rossi

The relevant statistics are not available based on financial years, but at the following dates the number of war widows' pensions in payment by this Department to widows of the First World War was:

Number
March 1979 17,300
March 1980 15,350
March 1981 13,850
March 1982 12,300
September 1982* 11,600

* The latest date.