asked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he will publish a new pensions warrant for Service personnel following the increased pay scales for serving officers and men;

(2) what are his proposed amendments to the terminal grants to officers and men on retirement in view of the increased Service pay scales; and if he will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd) on 26th March, 1970.—[Vol. 798, c. 526.]

Is consideration being given in the preparation of the new pensions code to the position of widows, particularly those widowed before 50? Does the Minister realise that it is vastly important from a recruiting point of view that these matters should be fairly dealt with?

I dealt at length with the position of such widows in the Adjournment debate a month ago. I can only repeat that we understand the difficulties that such widows face, but the idea of backdating the new pensions scheme in the way the Question implies is very difficult and complex.