Death-in-service Benefits (Hansard, 13 June 2003)

§ Mr. Keetch
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on proposed changes to death-in-service benefits. [116144]

§ Dr. Moonie
The proposals for a new Armed Forces Pension Scheme, published for consultation in March 2001, included a number of improvements to current death-in-service arrangements; one of these was an increase to the death-in-service gratuity to three times pensionable salary. I expect to announce our final decision on the design of the new scheme before the Summer recess, taking account of responses to our consultation document.
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in the Congo north-eastern Ituri province; and what requests he has received for military assistance concerning this matter; [116229]
(2) what discussions took place between the EU Defence Ministers on 19 May 2003 concerning the situation in the Congo; and what conclusions were reached. [116231]

§ Mr. Ingram
At the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 May 2003 the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo was discussed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and his French counterpart.
In response to a request from the UN, the United Kingdom has agreed to provide a small contribution to a multi-national force to stabilise Bunia. We are actively discussing with France and the UN what precisely our contribution might be.
There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and his United States counterpart.