HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 cc111-2W
107. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many war pensioners who will receive the new comforts and ageing allowance are in receipt of National Assistance; and whether he will initiate legislation to include these allowances in the disregards under the National Insurance Acts.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am afraid that precise figures are not available, but the number will certainly be small. The Answer to the second part of the Question is "No".

110. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether the ageing allowance for war-disabled pensioners will be granted to those war-disabled persons who are in receipt of alternative pensions; and what he expects the cost to be.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Yes, subject to the same conditions as I announced in my reply on 19th November to my hon. Friends the Members for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I. Fraser) and Withington (Sir R. Cary). The Answer to the second part of the question is £1,250 in a full year.

111. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he will now reduce the qualifying age for an ageing allowance for war-disabled pensioners to 60 years; and what would be the cost of this change.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

No. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the full Answers I gave on this subject on 3rd and 10th December. The Answer to the second part of the Question is about £900,000 in the first full year.

112. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what increase in benefit has been granted since 1921 to the 270 war-disabled pensioners in receipt of an alternative pension; and what allowance is given in respect of the wife's maintenance.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

These pensioners, where eligible for Constant Attendance, Comforts, and Clothing Allowances have shared in the improvements made in these Allowances, and will be eligible if the other conditions continue to be satisfied for the futher improvements in allowances which I announced on 19th November. The rates of alternative pensions, which do not include an allowance in respect of a wife have not been increased. The hon. Member will, however, be aware that recipients of these pensions are always eligible to transfer to standard pensions whenever it becomes advantageous to them to do so.