HC Deb 27 October 1989 vol 158 c654W
Mr. Thorne

To ask the Scretary of State for Defence if he will give for the latest year for which records exist and for 1974 the number of ladies(a) under 65 years, (b) between 65 and 69 years, (c) between 70 and 79 years and (d) 80 years and over in receipt of attributable forces family pension.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Thorne

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what definition his Department uses of war widow for pension purposes.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

"War widow" is not, as such, a defined term used by the Ministry of Defence for pension purposes. However, for purposes of the attributable family pensions which were introduced into the armed forces pension scheme from 31 March 1973, it is a pre-requisite for the award of a widow's pension that her husband died from causes accepted by the Department of Social Security as being attributable to or aggravated by his service.