War Disablement Pension

HC Deb 14 April 2003 vol 403 cc573-4W

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on proposed changes to war disablement pensions. [108485]

Dr. Moonie

I expect to publish before the summer recess the Government's conclusions on the Department's review of arrangements for compensating members of the armed forces whose injury or illness is due to service. Payments under a new Armed Forces Compensation Scheme would replace awards currently made under the War Pension Scheme and the Armed Forces Pension Scheme for injuries or illness caused on or after the date of implementation. The new scheme should provide simpler and fairer arrangements that recognise the special status of the armed forces and focus better on those personnel most severely disabled.