§ 72. Sir T. Beamishasked the Minister of State for Defence if war widows' pensions are being examined in the context of the next stage of the current review of Armed Forces' pensions; and when that review is expected to be published.
§ Mr. KirkThe second stage of the review of Armed Forces pensions will be concerned among other subjects with widows' pensions payable under the Forces' occupational scheme, and will take all relevant factors into account. As I said during the debate on Forces' widows last Wednesday, it is not likely that we shall be able to say much about this stage of the review for some time.—[Vol. 842, c. 590.]
§ Mr. Ramsdenasked the Minister of State for Defence if, where there is provision under Royal Warrant for a higher rate of pension under reserved rights, the more beneficial rate is awarded.
§ Mr. KirkAny reserved rights would certainly be taken into account when a Service pension is assessed and awarded on retirement or discharge; but these278W circumstances arise very rarely as new pensions codes are generally more favourable than their predecessors. If the right hon. Member has a particular case in mind I shall be happy to look into it.