Contributory Pensions Scheme (Widows)
45.
asked the Minister of Defence what steps are being taken or will be taken to improve the position of existing widows and that of those who become widows prior to the inception of the contributory pensions scheme for the Armed Forces.
While making no commitments I have already undertaken to review some of the regulations governing the existing widows pension scheme in the light of the new contributory scheme when that has been worked out. But as regards the rates of pensions payable under the existing scheme I am afraid I can only repeat that that is a matter which must be governed by pensions increase legislation. The Government have taken the view that any increases in basic pensions should, in future, be on a contributory basis and I cannot therefore hold out any hopes of increases for existing widows as a result of the introduction of the new scheme.
Can the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that existing widows are to have their rates assimilated to the proposed new rates?
I have said that an alteration of rates is not a matter for me at all; it is a matter to be dealt with through the ordinary channel of legislation for general pensions increase. The Pensions (Increase) Act applies to all kinds of pensions, and any matter of that kind must be dealt with through the usual channel.
But could not the Minister say whether this is to be legislation for the future or for the present widow?
I have indicated that the contributory pensions scheme as a whole is for the future, but I have also undertaken that in regard to the existing scheme we will look into the regulations from the point of view of one or two specific points raised by hon. Members, such as the age of the widow, and things of that kind.
48.
asked the Minister of Defence whether the contributory pension scheme for the widows and other dependants of members of the Armed Forces will be compulsory; and when the details of the scheme may be issued.
As I stated on 11th May, the new contributory scheme is being worked out as quickly as possible; a great deal of work is involved. I will make a comprehensive statement as soon as the scheme is ready: in the meantime, as I am sure hon. Members will appreciate, it is difficult for me to discuss particular points.
Will the Minister bear in mind in this connection the demand for a flat-rate pension for the next of kin of former Service men?
I do not know the exact extent of the hon. Gentleman's suggestion. Perhaps he will let me know what he has in mind.
Demobilisation (Clothing)
46.
asked the Minister of Defence what sums a member of His Majesty's Forces is obliged to pay on demobilisation for articles of uniform he is permitted to retain; and what the estimated cost to the Exchequer would be if demobilised members of His Majesty's Forces were permitted to retain such articles of clothing without payment.
I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the articles of clothing which National Service men are permitted to retain when they are released, together with the prices charged. If this clothing were issued free to all such men the estimated cost in the current financial year would be approximately £750,000.
In view of the comparatively small amount involved, would it not be an excellent gesture to these demobilised ex-Service men to enable them to retain their partly worn clothing? There is a good deal of feeling about this amongst demobilised men, and surely it is an occasion which calls for a handsome gesture?
As a matter of fact only about 30 per cent. have asked to have the clothing. We are not anxious to issue more of this clothing for two reasons. First we do not want a widespread use of Service uniform in private life. Secondly, we want to use the clothing as it comes in after service as much as possible because of the difficulty and cost of getting new stocks. A further point is that in view of the numbers asking for it, if we adopted the suggestion of my hon. Friend I think we should be issuing a large number of articles of clothing to people who would never afterwards use them.
While we agree that it is most desirable that these men should have under-clothing, is it not most undesirable that battledress should be used by civilians, since one does not know whether it is a civilian wearing battledress or a badly turned out soldier, and that brings the Army into disrepute?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a boy in my constituency had £2 5s. 0d. deducted from his pay because, in order to go home, he had to retain for the purpose of decency a battledress nearly two years in service? Does not the Minister think that in view of the fact that civilian clothing is being refused, this kind of action is inclined to endanger the dignity of the Service, of the country and of the Government?
I should say that the figure mentioned by my hon. Friend would seem to be for more than the actual battledress, but I would like to discuss that matter.
Would not the Minister's point about not wishing to allow Service dress to be worn generally be met by the issue of free civilian clothing to all men on demobilisation? Would he not reconsider his attitude on that?
I have already dealt with that in answer to a Question on 6th April, as the hon. Member knows. It would cost something over £1½ million a year, and I cannot promise to do that.
Does the calculation of my hon. Friend include the garments that men are allowed to retain free of charge?
Yes.
Would not the Minister consider having battledresses dyed before issuing them? That would get over the difficulty.
Many are so dyed.
Following is the list:
ARTICLES OF CLOTHING PERMITTED TO BE RETAINED BY RELEASED NATIONAL SERVICE MEN | |||
Charge
| |||
All Services
| £ | s. | d. |
Pair of shoes, shirt, tie and underclothes and socks, in possession at time of release | Free | ||
Navy
| |||
*Greatcoat | 1 | 5 | 9 |
Uniform suit: | |||
(a) if dressed as seamen | 13 | 6 | |
(b) if not dressed as seamen | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Army
| |||
*Greatcoat | 1 | 18 | 9 |
Battledress | 1 | 12 | 0 |
Royal Air Force
| |||
*Greatcoat | 1 | 18 | 0 |
Battledress | 1 | 12 | 0 |
*National Service men are at present allowed to retain a greatcoat during the winter months only. The estimated annual cost (£750,000) of free issues of Service clothing assumes that all such men would be issued with a greatcoat irrespective of the time of release. |