§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the Government's total expenditure on war widows' pensions in the financial year 1984–85; how the figure compares with that for each of the previous four years; and what was the percentage change in spending in real terms year by year.
§ Mr. Whitney:The total expenditure on war widows' pensions in 1984–85 was £184 million. The corresponding figures and percentage change for previous years are as follows:
Year Actual expenditure £ million Expenditure at 1984 prices £ million Percentage change in real terms 1980−81 146 192 −2.5 1981−82 166 195 +1.6 1982−83 174 191 −2 1983−84 177 186 −2.6 1984−85 184 184 −1 Whilst there has been a reduction of 4 per cent. in expenditure since 1980–81, there has been a decline in the war widow pensioner population of 10 per cent. in the same period.