§ Mr. Douglas Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will bring forward proposals designed to ensure that the widows of former Service men who married after their husbands had left the Armed Services should enjoy the same pension arrangements that they would enjoy if the marriage had occurred whilst their husband was still a serving member.
§ Mr. SpeedThe widows of Service men serving on or after 6 April 1978 are, subject to the normal conditions, eligible for widow's pensions in respect of service since that date, regardless of the date of marriage. Because of the general principle that improvements in pensions are not made retrospective, and the very high cost otherwise, widows of Service men who retired before 6 April 1978 are not eligible for a widow's pension where the marriage took place after the husband had left the Services.
740Wduring that year. The detailed figures by grades and geographical areas are set out in the following table: