§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the considerations behind the requirement on single people to contribute towards a widow's pension under the United Kingdom land forces pension scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonSuperannuation benefits for eligible personnel of Her Majesty's armed forces are provided through the armed forces pension scheme. That scheme, which includes pension provision for the widows or widowers of deceased members, is non-contributory. The cost of benefits is met from funds allocated to the appropriate defence vote. However, the armed forces pay review body, in determining recommended rates of pay for the armed forces, makes an adjustment which takes into account differences in pension arrangements between those for the armed forces and those of comparator organisations.