Service Widows (Pensions)

HC Deb 26 July 1979 vol 971 c359W

Mr. Viggers

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will announce the timetable for the provision of pensions for widows of Service men below the rank of warrant officer class I who retired before 1 September 1950, and who currently receive no Service pension.

Mr. Speed

The provision of pensions for widows of Service men below the rank of warrant officer class I who retired before 1 September 1950 and who currently receive no service pension was

							claimants	Total cost to nearest £ million*
1977–78	Officers	…	…	…	…	…	9,166
	Service men	…	…	…	…	…	3,767	£33
1978–79	Officers	…	…	…	…	…	9,030
	Service men	…	…	…	…	…	4,107	£32
*Includes the cost of grossing up the allowance to cover claimants' tax liability.