§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support he and his predecessors have given to St. Dunstan's charity for blind ex-service men and women; and what further support is under consideration. [158023]
§ Dr. MoonieIn keeping with the long standing practice that central Government do not provide funds to assist individual charities' core activities, St. Dunstan's is required to raise its own funding. It does not, therefore, receive financial support from the Ministry of Defence. However, considerable Government assistance is available for those ex-Service personnel who are disabled. Personnel deemed to have sustained a disability due to their work in the armed forces may qualify for a tax-free98W 'War Disablement Pension' from the War Pensions Agency. They may also qualify for a pension under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS).