HC Deb 03 July 1961 vol 643 cc89-90W
Mrs. Cullen

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the basis used in the assessments of disability far awards of war pensions; how much is paid as pension to an ex-private with amputation at mid-thigh, and how much to an ex-sergeant with identical disablement; and what considerations lead him to pay different compensation for identical disablement.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The basis of assessment of disability for awards of war pensions as laid down in the Royal Warrants is the comparison between the condition of the man as disabled through service and the condition of a normal healthy person of the same age. The assessment appropriate to an amputation at mid-thigh is 70 per cent. This assessment is in accordance with the recommendations of the expert Committee under Judge Hancock. The rate of basic pension payable to an ex-private assessed at 70 per cent. is 68s. 3d. a week and to an ex-sergeant 72s. 11d. Some differentiation of war pension rates according to rank is well established and has been maintained by successive Governments.