HC Deb 11 March 1947 vol 434 cc173-4W
Mr. C. Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions the number of men and women, respectively, in receipt of 100 per cent. disability pensions, distinguishing between those who receive pensions in respect of 1914–18 and 1939–45 service; and how many of these pensioners receive unemployability supplement.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

Approximately 22,000 men and 120 women are in receipt of 100 per cent. pensions for disablement due to service in the 1914–18 war. Of these about 4,700 men and 10 women are receiving the unemployability supplement The comparable figures in respect of service in the 1939–45 War, including service in the Civil Defence Forces and the Mercantile Marine are 27,000 men and 2,050 women in receipt of roc, per cent. pension. Of these 820 and five respectively are receiving the unemployability supplement.

Mr. Dc la Bère

asked the Minister of Pensions how many 100 per cent. disabled pensioners are in receipt of the full basic pension of £2 5s. a week, together with unemployment supplement of £1, special allowance to totally dependent wife of 16s., and a maximum special attendance allowance of £2.

Mr. Wilfred Paling

The maximum special attendance allowance of £2a week has so far been awarded in about 400 cases. In all of these cases the pensioner is in receipt of a pension of at least 45s. od. a week. About two-thirds of the pensioners in question are receiving an additional 20s. od. a week, either as unemployability supplement or as unemployability supplement plus social service benefit. Of the married men in receipt of unemployability supplement, 90 per cent. are receiving wife's allowance at the higher rate of 16s. od. a week. A number of the pensioners not in receipt of an unemployability supplement are in employment or have special rates of pension more beneficial than the standard rates or have retirement pensions.