asked the Minister for Defence if he will state (a) the number of applications which have been received for Military Service Pensions; (b) the number of applications which have been decided (1) favourably, and (2) unfavourably, and (c) the average award in respect of the cases which have been decided in favour of the applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Military Service Pensions.
The total number of applications received under the Military Service Pensions Acts, 1924 and 1934, is 75,000 approximately. In addition, there are 16,100 petitions for reinvestigation and 2,600 new applications under the 1949 Act. With the exception of the petitions mentioned in the previous sentence the applications under the 1924 and 1934 Acts have been finally disposed of, while 541 claims have been dealt with under the 1949 Act, 331 being favourable and 210 unfavourable.
The average amount of the award made to successful applicants under the Acts of 1924 and 1934 is £31 per year approximately. The average award in respect of claims under the 1949 Act, so far dealt with, is £20 approximately.
Can the Minister indicate to the House when his Department intend to complete, once and for all, the applications of the people who are entitled to pensions?
I cannot give any indication of that.
In every year there is a new group.