asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how far Service pensioners are included in the term public service pensioners for the purposes of pension increases;(2) how far Service widows other than, war widows will get an increase of pension as a result of the Budget proposals.

Service widows (other than war widows) and long-service pensioners of Her Majesty's Forces, including retired officers, come within the scope of the detailed consideration now being given as to the assistance to be afforded to public service pensioners. Consultations on the whole matter are still going on and I can say no more at present.