HC Deb 02 April 1969 vol 781 cc113-4W
69. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will increase through the Royal Warrants, by an especially high rate, pensions of widows and provide an additional bonus for officers and widows over seventy.

Mr. Reynolds

No. The terms of the Pensions (Increase) Act have been fully debated in the House and we will be following the provisions of the Act.

Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the Royal Warrant announcing increased pensions for the Services and for widows will be issued; and from what date the increases will operate.

Mr. Reynolds

The Royal Warrant for the Army was signed on 19th March. The Queen's Order for the Royal Air Force is expected to be signed shortly. The Order in Council for the Royal Navy

1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68
£ £ £ £
Export Orders … … 4,029,000 4,688,000 3,772,000 4,628,000
Home Orders … … 22,447,000 27,650,000 31,428,000 37,131,000

Mr. Alison

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the aggregate value of work completed both for home and export orders in respect of each Royal Ordnance Factory listed separately for the years 1965, 1966, 1967 and 1968.

1964–65 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68
£ £ £ £
R.O.F. Birtley … 3,040,000 4,108,000 5,160,000 6,038,000
R.O.F. Bishopton … 1,549,000 2,458,000 3,189,000 4,163,000
R.O.F. Blackburn … 3,034,000 3,331,000 3,884,000 4,440,000
R.O.F. Bridgwater … 945,000 1,087,000 1,222,000 1,675,000
R.O.F. Chorley … 2,881,000 3,271,000 3,456,000 3,619,000
R.S.A.F. Enfield … 1,969,000 2,235,000 2,215,000 2,250,000
R.O.F. Glascoed … 1,955,000 2,280,000 2,364,000 2,664,000
R.O.F. Leeds … 1,175,000 3,215,000 4,271,000 6,569,000
R.O.F. Nottingham … 980,000 1,624,000 1,971,000 2,224,000
R.O.F. Patricroft … 2,150,000 2,837,000 3,082,000 3,801,000
R.O.F. Radway Green … 2,418,000 2,946,000 3,772,000 4,316,000
R.O.F. Woolwich … 4,380,000 2,946,000 614,000 Nil
26,476,000 32,338,000 35,200,000 41,759,000

is expected to be made at the next meeting of the Privy Council. The increases will be effective from 1st April, 1969, for all three Services.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will take steps to increase the pay of all Servicemen by 60 per cent. per annum and to ensure to them a 66⅔ per cent. pension scheme on the enhanced rates on retirement.

Mr. Reynolds

The National Board for Prices and Incomes is reviewing Service rates of pay and allowances. I cannot anticipate its Report.