To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average annual pension payment received by a retired British soldier has been in each year since 1997. (276666)

The available average annual amount paid to AFPS members for all three services for each year since 1999 are as follows:

Information for financial years 1997-98 and 1998-99 are no longer held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Figures for 2008-09 are still being finalised.

The figures provided are based on average pensions paid to former members of the armed forces, their spouses, and dependants. Figures provided are not held in the format requested to reflect average pensions paid to veterans alone. This could be done only at disproportionate cost.

The figures do not include any Terminal Grants or Commutations paid to AFPS members.