§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many pre-1950 widows have received special pensions in each year since they were awarded in November 1979; how many widows are currently in receipt of pensions; and what is the cost in each case.
§ Mr. WigginThe number of awards made in each financial year was
Number 1979–80 3,869 1980–81 13,447 1981–82 1,406 1982–83 1,379 1983–84 *70 * To end April 1983. Of the 20,171 pensions awarded to these elderly widows since 12 November 1979, 17,018 remain in payment at an annual cost of £8.3 million.