asked the Minister for the Public Service the current estimated annual cost of bridging the remaining gap between the ex gratia and contributory rates in the public service, with particular reference to granting the full contributory rate to pre-1968 widows.
Written Answers. - Ex Gratia and Contributory Pension Rates.
177.
The current estimated annual cost of increasing the ex gratia rate of pension payable to widows and children of pre-1968 public servants to the rate of contributory pension payable in respect of post-1968 officers is about £3 million.