HC Deb 20 January 1981 vol 997 cc131-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will give at the latest stated date the total number of ex-Ministers of the Crown who were drawing in any way pensions by virtue of the office they once held and the total amounts paid per annum to these recipients; how many of these were Members of the House of Lords; and how many of these hold other appointments made or recommended by the Government on a paid or expenses-paid basis.

Mr. Pym

I understand that 12 former Ministers are receiving pensions from the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund, the total annual amount in payment being just over £6,000. Three of these pensions were earned by service in the House of Lords. In addition, there are five pensions in payment to former Prime Ministers and two to former Lords Chancellor, at an annual cost of about £93,000. Central records indicate that four of these 19 pensioners currently hold salaried or expenses paid appointments made or recommended by the Government.