§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of holders of the Victoria Cross still surviving from (a) War I, (b) War II and (c) other campaigns.
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§ Dr. GilbertThe figures are 38 for World War I, 63 for World War II and five for other campaigns.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the amount of the annuity granted to holders of the Victoria Cross; when the figure was last revised; and what are the Government's intentions;
(2) whether he will index the anuity payable to holders of the Victoria Cross to take account of inflation and to maintain its original or revised value.
§ Dr. GilbertI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for Ashfield (Mr. Smith) on 16th June last—[Vol. 933, c.251–2].
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Defence what would now be the amount of the annuity payable to the holders of the Victoria Cross if (a) the original rate granted in 1856 were reassessed and (b) the revised figure of 1959 were re-assessed to take account of inflation which has occurred since its induction.
§ Dr. GilbertI regret that figures for inflation from the year 1856 are not readily available. A theoretical reassessment of the £10 annuity paid to noncommissioned holders of the Victoria Cross between 1856 and 1959 cannot, therefore, be made. Were the relevant pensions increases to be applied to the present annuity of £100, payable to all holders of the Victoria Cross from 1959 onwards, it would now amount to £386.