§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions to make a statement on the average percentage increase made in all 156W pensions administered by his Department since 1st April, 1946.
Mr. AmoryThe following is a comparative statement in respect of the years 1st April, 1946, to 31st March, 1947, and 1st April, 1952, to 31st March, 1953, showing the mean number of pensioners (disablement pensioners, widows and dependants), the annual cost of their pensions and allowances and the average annual cost with the percentage increase:
— 1946–47 1952–53 Average percentage increase Mean number of pensioners 1 108,700 967,400 Total annual cost £78,658,729 £84,212,000 Average annual cost per pensioner £70.9 £87.0 22.7