§ 124. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Pensions if he has considered the representations, on their behalf, which he has received from the ex-Service organisations and war pensions committees; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. IsaacsI can assure the hon. Member that the views of the ex-Service organisations and war pensions committees received the most careful consideration before I announced to the House on 17th April the substantial improvements made in the war pensions provisions. These improvements had effect from the first pay day in June.
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§ Brigadier Petoasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that delegates at the recent Annual Conference of the British Legion, whilst thanking the Government for the improvements in supplementary allowances for disability pensioners, expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that the basic rate had not been increased; and whether further consideration will be given to this matter, having regard to the present-day purchasing value of the £ sterling.
§ Mr. IsaacsI am unable to add to the statement on this matter made by the Chancellor in his Budget speech.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Pensions how many widows of ex-Service men of the 1914–18 war are still in receipt of widows' pensions and other allowances; and what is the average amount received.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number is approximately 100,000 and the average annual value £106.