§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the amount of benefits payable(a) weekly and (b) on any other basis to limbless ex-service 105W men specifically because they have had (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three and (iv) four limbs amputated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe amount of war disablement pension payable in respect of disablement due to service varies according to the degree of disablement which is assessed on a percentage basis, 100 per cent. being the maximum. For amputees the assessment is determined by the site of the amputation. Details arc given in the table together with the corresponding weekly and yearly pension rates for privates/non-commissioned officers, and officers respectively.
106W
Percentage assessment Weekly rate £ Yearly rate £ Amputation of upper limbs Loss of both hands or amputation at higher sites 100 89.00 4,685 Forequarter amputation 100 89.00 4,685 Amputation through shoulder joint 90 80.10 4,217 Amputation below shoulder with stump less than 20.5 centimetres from tip of the acromium 80 71.20 3,748 Amputation from 20.5 centimetres from tip of the acromium to less than 11.5 centimetres below tip of olecranon 70 62.30 3,280 Amputation from 11.5 centimetres below tip of olecranon 60 53.40 2,811 Loss of four fingers 50 44.50 2,343 Loss of thumb and its metacarpel bone 40 35.60 1,874 Loss of thumb 30 26.70 1,406 Loss of three fingers 30 26.70 1,406 Loss of two fingers 20 17.80 937 Loss of terminal phalanx of thumb 20 17.80 937 Amputation of lower limbs Double amputation through thigh, or through thigh on one side and loss of other foot, or double amputation below thigh to 13 centimetres below knee 100 89.00 4,685 Double amputation through leg lower than 13 centimetres below knee 100 89.00 4,685 Hindquarter amputation 100 89.00 4,685 Amputation of one leg lower than 13 centimetres below knee and loss of other foot 100 89.00 4,685 Amputation through hip joint 90 80.10 4,217 Amputation of both feet resulting in end bearing stumps 90 80.10 4,217 Amputation through both feet proximal to the metatarso-phalangeal joint 80 71.20 3,748 Amputation below hip with stump not exceeding 13 centimetres in length measured from tip of great trochanter 80 71.20 3,748 Amputation below hip and above knee with stump exceeding 13 centimetres in length measured from tip of great trochanter, or at knee not resulting in end-bearing stump 70 62.30 3,280 Amputation at knee resulting in end-bearing stump, or below knee with stump not exceeding 9 centimetres 60 53.40 2,811 Amputation below knee with stump exceeding 9 centimetres but not exceeding 13 centimetres 50 44.50 2,343 Amputation below knee with stump exceeding 13 centimetres 40 35.60 1,874 Loss of all toes of both feet through the metatarso-phalangeal joint 40 35.60 1,874 For multiple amputations, other than those mentioned in the table, a composite assessment of the degree of disablement is made, by reference to the combined effects of such injuries (subject to the maximum of 100 per cent.)
Additional allowances may be awarded in respect of. for instance, unemployability and need for attendance. Mobility supplement (currently £33.70 a week, £1,757 a year) is also available; amputation of both legs at levels which are either through or above the ankle results in automatic entitlement.
107W
Percentage assessment Weekly rate £ Yearly rate £ Loss of all toes of both feet proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint 30 26.70 1,406 Amputation of one foot resulting in end bearing stump 30 26.70 1,406 Amputation through one foot proximal to the metatarso-phalangeal joint 30 26.70 1,406 Loss of all toes of one foot proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint, including amputations through the metatarso-phalangeal joint 20 17.80 937 Loss of all toes of both feet distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint 20 17.80 937 Amputation of upper and lower limbs Loss of a hand and a foot 100 89.00 4,685