asked the Pensions Minister what will be the approximate annual cost of the increases announced by him in the pensions granted in respect of former wars?

The initial yearly cost of the increase in the widows' pension may be stated as approximately £25,000. With, regard to the men the conditions upon which the increases are given are such as to make an accurate forecast impossible. It can only be said, and that with diffidence, that the initial yearly cost should not exceed £400,000.