§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of war-disabled pensioners in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement about their eligibility to receive the £10 bonus.
§ Mr. DeanThere were at 30th September, 1972, approximately 338,000 war disablement pensions in payment in the United Kingdom. All war pensioners over retirement age who are receiving one of the qualifying benefits for the week beginning 4th December—which apart from retirement or supplementary pension include both unemployability supplement and constant attendance allowance under the war pensions scheme—will be entitled to the £10 payment.
§ Mr. David Watkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many retirement pensioners he estimates will be eligible to receive the proposed £10 bonus in the Consett and Stanley areas of County Durham.
§ Mr. DeanI regret that this information is not available. Statistics of retirement pensioners are kept for the country as a whole and not for local areas.