§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list British military pensions deriving from wartime service along with compatible information for other European countries.
§ Mr. Archie HamiltonPensions are not awarded to members of Her Majesty's armed forces in respect of wartime service as such. Service personnel who suffer disability as a result of injuries attributable to their service, whether or not in time of war, may be awarded pensions under the provisions of the war pensions scheme administered by the Department of Social Security. These pensions are related to the degree of disability experienced. A range of supplements and additional allowances are also available under the scheme, subject to eligibility. Service personnel may also receive pensions under the provisions of the occupational schemes for the armed forces, provided that they meet the conditions of eligibility, including length of service given, which are appropriate to their service and the circumstances of its termination. No distinction is made between wartime service, and other periods of service, in determining eligibility and pension374W benefits. The Ministry of Defence is not in a position to list comparisons between the provisions made by the British Government and those of other European countries.