§ Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement outlining the number and nature of the claims made under the war pension scheme as a result of the conflict in the South Atlantic, showing how many of the claims have been settled, how many are awaiting appeal and the results of any appeals; and if he will indicate when he expects all claims to be finalised.
§ Mr. Rossi:The widows of 122 Service men killed in the South Atlantic have claimed and been awarded war widow's pension. The widows of seven merchant seamen have claimed: four have been awarded war widow's pension and the other three claims, received within the last fortnight, are being dealt with. One claim for means-tested parents' pension has been unsuccessful on income grounds. As regards war disablement pension, three merchant seamen have claimed, also within the last fortnight, and their claims are being dealt with. No claims for war disablement pension have yet been made by servicemen because they are not eligible until they have been discharged from the Armed Forces. It is not therefore possible to say when all potential claims will be finalised.