HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 c546W
Mr. Chaytor

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people in receipt of war disablement pensions were(a) receiving income support, (b) over retirement age and (c) in full-time employment in each of the last five years. [73969]

Dr. Moonie

The Veterans Agency administers the war pensions scheme. It does not retain statistical information relating to receipt of other benefits such as income support, or to the employment status of war disablement pensioners.

The following information is available in relation to those in receipt of war disablement pension (WDP):

  • At 31/3/1998: 259,160 WDP in payment—187,241 aged 65 or over
  • At 31/3/1999: 249,344 WDP in payment—179,868 aged 65 or over
  • At 31/3/2000: 239,423 WDP in payment—172,030 aged 65 or over
  • At 31/3/2001: 222,534 WDP in payment—158,971 aged 65 or over (men)

9,088 WDP in payment—6,872 aged 60 or over (women)

At 31/3/2002: 213,353 WDP in payment—151,527 aged 65 or over (men)

8,893 WDP in payment—6,585 aged 60 or over (women)

Prior to April 2000, data for war disablement pensions paid to men and women over retirement age was not recorded separately.