Oral Answers to Questions — Disability Pensions and Allowances

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 29 Gorffennaf 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Daniel Lipson Mr Daniel Lipson , Cheltenham 12:00, 29 Gorffennaf 1947

asked the Minister of Pensions the numbers of those in receipt of disability pensions and allowances, by grades, from the maximum downwards, and the amount paid in each grade.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.,

Photo of Mr Daniel Lipson Mr Daniel Lipson , Cheltenham

Can the Minister give an assurance that those figures justify his not bringing the matter before the advisory committee again?

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

The hon. Member should judge that from the figures given in the statement.

Following is the statement:

(1) The figures include pensions for both the 1914 and 1939 wars. In the latter case, Mercantile Marine and Civilian war pensions are included.

(2) Column E gives the total number of pensioners assessed at the various degrees of disablement. Columns C and D give the appropriate rates for a single man and a married man with two children, respectively. In all cases the rates shown are those applicable to basic ranks in the Services (e. g., private soldier in the Army); higher rates are payable for higher rank.

(3) In certain cases there are additional allowances for wear and tear of clothing or education of children.

(4) Disablement pensions and allowances are free of income tax.

A.B.C.D.E.
Degree of DisablementSingle ManMarried with 2 childrenApproximate with number in payment
Percentage.£s.d.£s.d.
100With unemployability supplement and maximum constant attendance allowance.550616050,650
100With unemployability supplement but without constant attendance allowance.3504160
100Without unemployability supplement or constant attendance allowance.2503100
90With unemployability supplement30641162,900
90With hardship allowance*250376
90Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance.206330
80With unemployability supplement216047018,950
80With hardship allowance*250350
80Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance.11602160
70With unemployability supplement211642628,550
70With hardship allowance*229303
70Without unemployability supplement or hardship allowance.1116290
†60With hardship allowance*1183213342,450
†60Without hardship allowance170220
†50With hardship allowance113926365,650
†50Without hardship allowance1261150
40With hardship allowance*193119381,650
40Without hardship allowance180180
30With hardship allowance*1491123157,700
30Without hardship allowance136110
20With hardship allowance*103153234,100
20Without hardship allowance90140
Less than 20 percentVarying amountsVarying amounts84,050
* If a pensioner's disablement due to service in; the 1939 World War is assessed at less than 100 per cent. and, in consequence of that disablement, he is permanently incapable of resuming his former occupation and incapable of following or being trained for one of equivalent standard, he may be granted a special hardship allowance of 11s. 3d. a week. The allowance together with his pension may not, however, exceed the rate of pension payable if his disablement were assessed at 100 per cent.
† In a small number of cases of 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. disablement the unemployability supplement has been granted.

(5) The estimated annual cost of these pensions, including the various allowances and supplements, is about £50,000,000.