§ Sir W. Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether she is aware that, allowing for the changed value of the pound sterling, the other ranks 40 per cent. war pension which was 18s. in 1914 should today be £4 10s. instead of £2 14s.; and if she will take steps to remedy this discrepancy and similar ones in service pensions.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesThe 40 per cent, rate of 18s. a week to which the hon. 211W Member refers was not introduced until 1946 and, on the basis of the Cost-of-Living Index up to June, 1947, linked with the Retail Prices Index, its present equivalent is 35s. 6d. In 1914, war disablement pensions were calculated on a different basis, the rate for total incapacity being 17s. 6d. a week, of which the present equivalent is 70s. 2d. Against this, the rate for 100 per cent. disablement payable from 31st March will be 135s. and a wide range of supplementary allowances may be paid in addition. I know of no comparable relationships in the field of Service pensions, which are in any case a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.