asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many ex-officers and other ranks who had been employed in the Burma Reserve Officers, or similar units, were killed or disabled; and what steps are being taken to ensure that they and their widows receive pensions and allowances.

According to the estimate I have received, 64 British officers and men of the units to which the hon. Gentleman refers were killed or died of wounds; 44 were disabled. The Government of Burma is responsible for the payment of their pensions; but my Office acts as their agents, if the applicant is in the United Kingdom. Forty-five claims for disability pensions have been made by persons in this country; 41 have been settled, and four are still outstanding. Forty-three claims for widows' and dependants' pensions have been made, and none is outstanding.