HC Deb 12 December 1995 vol 268 cc621-2W
Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many former service personnel are currently receiving war pensions due to exposure to asbestos in disability bands(a) 20 per cent. to 39 per cent., (b) 40 per cent. to 60 per cent., (c) 60 per cent., and (d) 100 per cent; [4811]

(2) how many former service personnel are currently receiving a war pension attributable to exposure to asbestos. [4812]

(3) what is the total annual payment to former service personnel in war pensions due to exposure to asbestos. [4813]

Mr. Heald

The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the saving to public funds in each of the last five financial years which has resulted from not disregarding war pensions in assessment of income support payments. [5639]

Mr. Roger Evans

The figures set out in the table represent the additional costs which would have been incurred over the five-year period.

Cost of fully disregarding war pensions in the assessment of income support
Financial year Cost £ million
1991–92 30
1992–93 20
1993–94 35
1994–95 30
1995–96 35

Estimates are rounded to the nearest £5 million and relate to the benefit levels in that financial year.