§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the number of limbless and severely disabled of the 1914–18 war; if he will give an estimate of the total supplementary benefits paid to such survivors; if he will give an estimate of the net cost of upgrading benefits to these survivors to the levels paid to 1939–45 survivors or to the highest levels currently paid; if he is satisfied that rates paid to 1914–18 survivors adequately reflect their needs; if he will take steps to update the benefit to such 1914–18 survivors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe number of severely disabled war pensioners, defined as those assessed at 40 per cent. or more, who served in the 1914 war is 7,150, including 1,680 limbless war pensioners. They are all in receipt of age allowance, and an estimated 5,000 other supplementary allowances are in payment to them under the war pensions scheme.
The rates of war pension payable in respecF CD17t of service in the 1914 war do not differ from those payable for the 1939–45 war. These rates are reviewed annually so as to ensure that the living standards of war pensioners are maintained.