HC Deb 07 December 1959 vol 615 cc13-4W
Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister cf Pensions and National Insurance the numbers of totally disabled pensioners of the 1914–18 war, their average age, the numbers of such men who receive an attendance allowance; the average rate of the allowance, and the numbers of now awards and increases in the rate of the allowance during the past two years to these men.

Mr. Vane

On 30th September, 1959, there were 14,202 pensioners of the 1914–18 war with assessments of 100 per cent.; their average age is not known but the average age of all 1914 war disablement pensioners is 67. Of these 14,202 pensioners, 3,440 were receiving a constant attendance allowance, the average weekly rate being 27s. 11d. During the preceding two years there were 406 new awards of the allowance and 149 individual increases of rates.

Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the numbers of 1914–18 war pensioners who are 50 per cent. or more disabled who have not yet attained the normal retiring age of 65, the numbers of such men who receive an unemployability supplement, and the numbers of new awards of the supplement to this group during the past two years.

Mr. Vane

The precise numbers asked for are not available. It is estimated, however, that on 30th September, 1959, pensioners of the 1914–18 war with assessments of 50 per cent. or more who had not attained the age of 65 numbered about 29,600, of whom 3,070 were receiving the unemployability supplement, and that during the preceding two years about 650 new awards were made to pensioners in this group.

Mr. L. M. Lever

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the numbers of 1914–18 war pensioners. who have now been disabled for forty-one years, whose assessments have been increased to a rate higher than their original life award, and the numbers who still receive only their original assessment.

Mr. Vane

I regret that the information asked for is not available.