§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Prime Minister what effect the changes since 1978 in the rates of children's allowances, children's pensions and child benefit, payable by the Departments of Defence and Social Security, to the widows of members of the armed forces have had on their combined value.
§ The Prime MinisterThe information is not available in the form requested. For the Department of Social Security war widows' children's allowances and child benefits I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to him on 28 January 1991 at columns440–42 and on 14 February 1991 at columns 580–82.
As regards children's pensions payable by the Ministry of Defence under the provisions of the armed forces pensions schemes these are initially awarded by reference to circumstances, including rates of pay, applicable at the time of their fathers' service ended. Awards are therefore individually assessed. They are subsequently increased in line with the retail prices index.
The combined value of war pensions and allowances, child benefit and Ministry of Defence pensions for the widow and two children of a corporal killed in service today would be about £276 per week. Lump sum payments amounting to more than £20,000 would also be payable.