§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what considerations underlie the decision to restrict the pensions of widows of service men who died from smoking or drink-related diseases.
§ Mr. HagueA war widow's pension is paid when the death of a service man or former service man is due to or hastened by service. It has been the long-standing policy of successive Governments that only where a severely disabling mental condition, which is itself due to service, renders the individual incapable of exercising personal choice should the effects of tobacco or alcohol be regarded as due to service. Amending legislation, which comes into force on 28 March, is intended to clarify the law in this respect. It will not affect the entitlement of any existing pensioner.