§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the figures for total expenditure by his Department on war widows' pensions in each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82, together with his estimate for 1982–83; and if he will give the figures in each case at 1978–79 prices.
§ Mr. RossiThe information requested is as follows:
Expenditure on war widows' pensions £ million Year Cash At 1978–79 prices 1978–79 117 117 1979–80 129 111 1980–81 146 108 1981–82 166 110 1982–83 175 n.a. n.a. Not available.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how the total expenditure by his Department on war widows' pensions compares now, in real terms, with what was spent in the year 1978–79.
§ Mr. RossiThe information requested is as follows134W
Expenditure on war widows' pensions £ million Year Cash At 1978–79 prices 1978–79 117 117 1981–82 166 110 1982–83 175 n.a. n.a. Not available.
These figures reflect a reduction in the number of pensioners due to death each year and not to a reduction in the value of war pensions.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war widows of the First World War were in receipt of pensions from his Department in the years 1978–79 and 1981–82, respectively; and what was the number at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many war widows of the First World War were in receipt of pensions from his Department in each of the years 1978–79, 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82; and how many are now receiving pensions.
§ Mr. RossiThe relevant statistics are not available based on financial years, but at the following dates the number of war widows' pensions in payment by this Department to widows of the First World War was:
Number March 1979 17,300 March 1980 15,350 March 1981 13,850 March 1982 12,300 September 1982* 11,600 * The latest date.