§ Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make arrangements to improve the benefits payable to members of the reserve forces or their families in the event of death or injury attributable to service.
§ Mr. William RodgersYes. With effect from 1st April 1974 we are introducing new arrangements to supplement 379W the benefits already payable under the Department of Health and Social Security's war pensions scheme in cases where death or injury is attributable to service and arises in the course of peacetime exercises or training.
In cases of death a reservist's widow will receive £382 a year from Defence Votes plus £127 a year each for up to four dependent children; if the reservist is unmarried a single payment of £254 will be made into his estate. A reservist who is disabled to a degree requiring his discharge from the Reserve will receive between £254 and £509 a year according to degree of disability.
These amounts, which will not vary by rank, will be increased from time to time in the same way as pensions increases are applied to other Armed Forces pensions. They may be reduced on account of any damages recovered by the reservist or his dependants. We will ensure that payments are made as quickly as possible in cases which have arisen since 1st April 1974.