§ Mr. Costainasked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of forces pensioners at 31st March 1976 and 31st March 1963, respectively.
§ Mr. DuffyThe numbers for years before 1964 cannot be provided without disproportionate effort. For 1964 and 1976 the approximate figures are 201,500 and 215,000 respectively for officers on retired pay and Service men in receipt of pension. Some 30,000 can be added to each number for widows, children and other dependants who draw pensions from the Ministry of Defence. Former locally enlisted personnel overseas and their dependants are not included.