§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently in receipt of(a) war widows pensions and (b) war pensions; and what were the equivalent figures (i) five years ago, (ii) 10 years and (iii) 15 years ago. [34043]
§ Mr. HealdThis information is in the table.
As at 31 March 1996 a total of 57,497 war widows' pensions and 265,375 war disablement pensions were in payment.
31 December 1980 31 December 1985 31 December 1990 31 December 1995 War Widows' Pension 76,500 64,859 54,124 49,726 War Disablement Pension 266,478 220,256 191,870 264,597
§ Mrs. JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received from which organisations with regard to allowing(a) partial and 628W (b) total disregard of war pensions and war widows' pension, in the calculation of housing and other benefit entitlements. [34042]
§ Mr. HealdI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 23 January 1996,Official Report, column 221.
Since January 1996, this Department has received a further 71 letters from hon. Members, and 69 letters from members of the public, local authorities and other interested parties.