§ Mr. BARNESasked the Secretary to the Treasury if the estimate of cost of the new scheme for allowances and pensions is the total cost including the amounts which have hitherto been made, and, if so, what is the net additional estimate of cost when these amounts hitherto paid have been deducted; if, in estimating the cost, due account has been taken of the number of young men who, if killed, will leave no dependants and in respect to whom, therefore, the Government are not committed to pension expenditure; what proportion has been allowed of such young men as a proportion of the total number of 2,000,000 given and upon which the estimate is based; and if, in making the estimate of 80 per cent. excess over workmen's compensation terms payable under the new 240W scheme, the estimate is based on the private soldier's pay and keep or upon the wages of the soldier prior to enlistment
Mr. BAKERThe estimates relative to the new scheme of allowances and pensions refer to the full payments. It does not appear that actuarial estimates as to the differences between the old scale, which has been definitely abandoned, and the new scale would provide information of such public utility as to justify the time and expense involved in its preparation. The remaining portion of the hon. Member's question refers to matters which cannot be briefly explained by way of question and answer, but which are fully dealt with in the Actuarial Report included in the White Paper.