HC Deb 30 April 1974 vol 872 c413W
Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will consider allowing the practice of commuting a disablement pension into a lump sum to be reintroduced.

Mr. O'Malley

Commutation of industrial disablement pension has never been allowed, and commutation of war disablement pensions ceased in 1939. It is considered that pensioners' interests are best served by regular payments throughout their lifetime, with upratings to maintain the real value of the pension and appropriate adjustments for any worsening of the disability.