§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister what representations were made to him by the Royal British Legion to receive a deputation of war widows to discuss the Government's decision to reverse a decision of the High Court by amending the Service Pensions Order to restrict the pension entitlement of widows or ex-service men; what reply he made; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 28 April 1994]: As far as I am aware, none.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Prime Minister what direct consultations Ministers had with(a) the Royal British Legion and (b) the Normandy Veterans Association about the Government's decision to reverse a decision of the High Court by amending the Service Pensions Order to 336W restrict the pension entitlement of ex-service personnel and war widows; and if he will now himself directly consult the two organisations on the Government's decision.
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 28 April 1994]: The customary mechanism for consultation on proposed changes to war pensions legislation is through the statutory Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions. The committee includes representatives of several ex-service organisations, including two members each from the Royal British Legion and the Royal British Legion (Scotland).
The Minister with special responsibility for war pensions at the Department of Social Security, my noble Friend, Lord Astor, consulted the committee on the recent proposals to amend legislation following a decision of the High Court which suggested that the law did not clearly reflect long-standing policy. We always consider, as we did on this occasion, any other points made by any individual or organisation.