§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to amend the armed forces pension scheme to allow benefits to be paid to partners of service men and women killed on active service; and if he will make a statement. [8204]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 18 October 2001]: The Ministry of Defence does not currently have any plans to amend the armed forces pension scheme (AFPS) to allow benefits to be paid to partners of service men and women killed on active service. However, following the recently completed consultation period on the review of the AFPS, representations on a range of issues, including this one, will be taken forward for further consideration.